VietNamNet Bridge – Viet Nam highly valued the great support and assistance given by the people of Belarus in its past struggle for national independence and the present cause of national reconstruction, Vietnamese President Truong Tan Sang told visiting Belarus Prime Minister Mikhail Myasnikovich here yesterday, Nov 30.

President Truong Tan Sang (right) receives Belarus Prime Minister Mikhail Myasnikovich at the Presidential Palace. (Photo: VNS)
Sang said the visit by Myasnikovich would contribute to further consolidating the tradition of friendship and co-operation between the two nations, and he reiterated Viet Nam's willingness to act as a bridge for Belarus to expand and develop her relations with other member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

He also took the occasion to thank the government and people of Belarus for facilitating conditions for overseas Vietnamese, including students, to live and work in Belarus.

Myasnikovich informed Sang of his talks with Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and said that he wanted Viet Nam to further co-operate with Belarus in areas in which the country has potential, including scientific research, education and training, and military technology.

"Though bilateral trade between Viet Nam and Belarus in 2011 is forecast to be 2.6 times higher than in 2010, it remains too low compared to the potential of the two countries," Myasnikovich said.

In 2012, Viet Nam and Belarus will celebrate their 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

Joint statement

Viet Nam and Belarus issued a joint statement yesterday stating that the two sides affirmed their determination to promote co-operation in various fields such as economics, commerce, and science and technology.

During the visit, the two sides applauded the signing of new co-operation agreements in the fields of education, labour and judiciary during this visit.

They also applauded proposals made by State agencies and businesses in both countries to promote trade relations, including the completion of a payment mechanism and conditions for the supply of goods.

The two sides agreed to promote co-operation between chambers of commerce and industry and other business organisations, including the organisation of exchanges between businesses and trade fairs.

They agreed to consider the possibility of simplifying border entry procedures and to co-operate closely within the framework of the United Nations and other international organisations.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News