Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (R) and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Botswana Unity Dow.

Minh hailed the visit which comes at a time when the two countries are celebrating the 10th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties.

Vietnam always welcomes and offers all possible support for firms to intensify cooperation at home and abroad, he said, suggesting that both sides should actively help firms with market survey and business promotion activities.

He hailed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Botswana Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and proposed accelerating talks for the signing of documents such as the framework agreement on economic, cultural, education, information technology cooperation; the investment encouragement and protection agreement; and the double taxation avoidance agreement.

The host spoke highly of the effective collaboration between the two nations at multilateral forums, and Botswana’s active role in the Southern African Development Community.

He expressed his wish for the African nation’s further support when Vietnam assumes the role of a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and establishes formal relationship with the African Union in the near future.

Unity Dow, for her part, wished that Vietnam would enhance coordination with Botswana in the fields of agriculture, information technology, education-training, tourism and health care.

She welcomed Vietnamese enterprises to Botswana to do business and desired to acquire Vietnam’s socio-economic development experience.

Both sides reached consensus on specific measures to deepen bilateral links, including facilitating the exchange of delegations at all levels.

Discussing regional and global issues of shared concern, including the East Sea issue, they highlighted the importance of peace, stability, security, maritime safety and freedom in line with international law.

On the occasion, they signed a visa exemption agreement for diplomatic and official passport holders.-VNA