VietNamNet Bridge – At talks with his Azerbaijan counterpart Ilham Aliyev in Ha Noi yesterday, May 19, President Truong Tan Sang made clear Viet Nam's stance on expanding relations with the Eurasian country as its major partner in southern Caucasus.

President Truong Tan Sang and President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev review the guard of honour of the Viet Nam People's Army in Ha Noi yesterday.

It is part of Viet Nam's diplomatic policy of independence and self-reliance while diversifying its ties with foreign countries on the way to integrating into the world economy, Sang said.

Aliyev confirmed that Azerbaijan would pay attention to developing its long-standing co-operation with Viet Nam, as the host country was its key partner in Southeast Asia.

Agreeing that both nations were well positioned to foster sweeping collaboration with a focus on trade and investment, the two leaders vowed to lift annual two-way trade from the current level of US$400 million to $1 billion in the coming years.

To this end, economic units and businesses will facilitate regular visits, seeking ways to expand market share on both sides.

Regarding bilateral oil and gas links as a strategic priority in the long run, Aliyev vowed to provide Viet Nam with legal assistance, making it easier for the country to invest and buy oil from his country and broaden their co-operation.

The leaders also voiced the need to intensify joint work in education-training and tourism, including the possibility of opening a direct air flight.

Turning attention to the ongoing tensions in the East Sea, President Sang voiced the stance shared by ASEAN and Viet Nam on settling maritime disputes by peaceful means in conformity to international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea.

Presidents Sang and Aliyev agreed that any conflict must be peacefully settled in line with international law and the UN Charter.

Regarding mutual support at multilateral forums, the host suggested Azerbaijan backed Viet Nam's bid for a seat at the UN Economic and Social Council for the 2016-2018 tenure and the UN Security Council for the 2020-2021 tenure.

After the talks, the leaders witnessed the signing of inter-government agreements on economic, trade, science-technology co-operation and double taxation avoidance.

Later the same day, Aliyev met with nearly 200 alumni of academic institutions in Azerbaijan, saying he hoped to welcome more Vietnamese students to his country.

A trustworthy partner

Other leaders from the Vietnamese Party, National Assembly and Government said the visit of President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan would create a fresh driving force for bilateral relations.

In a meeting with Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, President Aliyev said Azerbaijan regarded Viet Nam as a close and trustworthy partner in Southeast Asia.

Aliyev said his country would work more closely with Viet Nam in a broad spectrum of areas, especially in Party affairs and at regional and global forums.

He also expressed his displeasure at China's ongoing acts in the East Sea, and hoped that the issue could be settled in accordance with international law and commitments.

In a separate meeting with NA Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung, Aliyev said he was accompanied by business representatives interested in opportunities, particularly oil and gas, education, and transport.

He agreed with Hung on the need to improve collaboration between the two legislatures.

Hung said he was confident Aliyev's visit, the first since he took power, would re-energise ties.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung called for stronger mutual support at international forums, especially at the United Nations.

He added that Azerbaijan should support the Viet Nam National Oil and Gas Group in its long-term operations.

Aliyev told Dung that Vietnamese investors in the Eurasian country would find the environment "auspicious".

The Azerbaijani leader said Viet Nam's dispute with China should be settled in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Source: VNS