Palestine wishes to expand its friendship with Vietnam, said Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas (R) and Vietnamese Ambassador to Egypt and Palestine Do Hoang Long.

Abbas made the statement during his recent reception for the Vietnamese Ambassador to Egypt and Palestine Do Hoang Long on May 9 at the Egyptian Presidential Palace, on the occasion of the President’s State-level visit to Egypt.

The Vietnamese diplomat briefed the Palestinian leader on Vietnam’s achievements in socio-economic development and its plans for future development, and affirmed Vietnam’s support for the Palestinian people’s efforts in promoting peace and development.

He said Vietnam is pursuing a foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, cooperation, diversification and multilateralisation of relations.

The ambassador also discussed issues related to the East Sea, which are attracting growing concern in the international community.

Abbas expressed his admiration for Vietnam’s achievements as well as concerns about Vietnam-related issues.

The two sides asserted that they back the settlement of disputes by peaceful means and in line with international law.

The Palestinian leader invited Ambassador Long to visit his country, towards strengthening Vietnam-Palestine relations.

VNA