President Truong Tan Sang received new ambassadors on August 20 from Chile, Turkey, Denmark, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and Sri Lanka who presented their credentials.

Meeting with the Chilean Ambassador Claudio Anderes De Negri Quintana, President Sang expressed his delight at the strong development of bilateral relations, especially since the two countries signed a free trade agreement (FTA) in 2013.

It has laid the groundwork for spurring total trade volume between the two countries by 60% to US$1 billion, Sang said while hoping that trade ties will further flourish in the future.

Ambassador Quintana in turn suggested both nations should enhance cultural and tourism exchanges to further assist the countries’ citizens gain a better understand about their respective history.

Welcoming Turkish Ambassador Akif Ayhan, President Sang affirmed the nation’s recognition of high importance to fostering ties with Turkey and proposed accelerating high-ranking exchange visits on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

Vietnam is willing to negotiate a bilateral FTA with Turkey with the hopes of lifting two-way trade turnover to US$5-10 billion in the near future.

For his part, Ambassador Ayhan pledged his best efforts to promote and diversify bilateral relations with Vietnam, saying that his nation wants Vietnam to continue to back its bid to become an ASEAN partner and the two countries will negotiate a FTA to push up economic and trade relations.

While meeting with Danish Ambassador Charlotte Laursen, Sang asked her to extend his best regards and an invitation to return to Vietnam to the Queen of Denmark and her spouse.

Sang said since the two countries established a comprehensive partnership, bilateral economic cooperation has developed quickly and Danish ODA projects have paid off in Vietnam.

Ambassador Laursen told her host the establishment of the comprehensive partnership in 2013 created a solid foundation for each side to boost bilateral cooperation.

Currently, many Danish businesses are seeking investment opportunities in Vietnam, especially in renewable energy and agriculture industries.

President Sang receives DPRK Ambassador Kim Myong Gil

Receiving DPRK Ambassador Kim Myong Gil, the State leader said Vietnam always treasures ties with traditional friends, including the DPRK and asked the DPRK ministries and its agencies foster cooperation with Vietnamese partners in potential fields.

Sang proposed Vietnam and Sri Lanka intensify high-ranking exchange visits and cooperation between ministries, departments and businesses while talking with Sri Lanka Ambassador Saranya Hasathi Urgodawatt Dissanayke,

Ambassador Saranya Hasanthi said the opening of embassies in both countries has helped elevate bilateral ties to a new height.

Vietnam and Sri Lanka have so far signed 25 agreements on agriculture, education, security and defence cooperation.

VOV