Co-operation with German state


Viet Nam is willing to create more favourable conditions for companies from Germany and the State of Baden-Wurttemberg to invest in the country and bring practical benefits to both sides.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung made the commitment yesterday, Nov 19, while receiving Baden-Wurttemberg's Governor Stefan Mappus, who is leading a business delegation on a visit to Viet Nam.

Dung said Baden-Wurttemberg was one of the fastest growing states in Germany and it held strengths in terms of industry, education, training, science and technology, which were fields in which Viet Nam needed co-operative ties.

After thanking Baden-Wurttemberg for its participation in the Viet Nam-Germany University project, Dung urged the state to continue funding the construction of schools and granting scholarships to Vietnamese students to study in the state.

Mappus said businesses from Baden-Wurttemberg wanted to step up co-operation with Vietnamese partners, thereby strengthening and developing friendly relations between the two countries as well as between his state and Vietnamese provinces.


PM receives Bulgarian guest


Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung hosted a reception yesterday for the outgoing Bulgarian Ambassador to Viet Nam, Georghi Vasilev, during which he spoke highly of the diplomat's contributions to the enhancement of traditional co-operation and friendship between Viet Nam and Bulgaria.

Viet Nam desired to join efforts with Bulgaria to further promote bilateral co-operation in all fields such as the economy, trade, investment, education and culture, he said.

Vasilev said he highly valued the fine development of bilateral relations, and noted that the two sides were speeding up implementation of previously signed agreements.


VN-Brazil strengthen mutual aid


Viet Nam and Brazil have pledged to strengthen co-ordination and mutual support at meetings of international organisations and multilateral forums such as the United Nations and the World Trade Organisation.

The countries reached the consensus during a political consultation between the their foreign ministries co-chaired by Deputy Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and his Brazilian counterpart Maria Edileuza Fontenele Reis yesterday, Nov 19.

The two sides agreed to promptly complete necessary procedures for the signing of a framework agreement on technical co-operation between the two governments and create a legal framework for the implementation of co-operation programmes and projects.

They also agreed to speed up negotiations on co-operative agreements in several areas such as agriculture, double-taxation avoidance, encouraging and protecting investments, education and training as well as strengthen co-ordination between relevant ministries and agencies in preparation for the second session of the Viet Nam-Brazil Joint Committee scheduled to take place in Ha Noi next year.

Since Viet Nam and Brazil set up their comprehensive partnership in May 2007, two-way trade has continuously increased with an annual growth rate of 30-40 per cent and is expected to reach US$800 million this year.


Hanoi, HCM City Party Secretaries attends Vientiane’s anniversary


Lao Party General Secretary and President Chummaly Sayasone on November 19 received a high-ranking delegation from Hanoi, led by its Party Secretary Pham Quang Nghi, which is attending Vientiane’s 450th anniversary and the celebration of the country’s 35th National Day.

Speaking at the reception, Mr. Nghi, who is also a Politburo member of the Communist Party of Vietnam, highlighted the significant achievements made by the Lao people, particularly those in Vientiane under the leadership of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party.

He said Hanoi will work harder to raise the traditional Vietnam-Laos relationship to a new level.

President Sayasone highly appreciated the visit, saying it reflects the great solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries. He also expressed thanks to Vietnam’s Party and people for their support over the past years.

During the visit, Mr. Nghi also worked with Sombath Zialiheu, Mayor of Vientiane, attended a procession to mark Vientiane’s 450th anniversary and the country’s 35th National Day, and visited the Vietnamese embassy and cultural places in Laos.

* On the same day, Mr. Sayasone received a Secretary of Ho Chi Minh Municipal Party Committee, Le Thanh Hai, who is attending the anniversary.


VNN/VOV/VNS