President Truong Tan Sang attended the second and third plenary sessions of the Asian-African Conference and met world leaders in Jakarta, Indonesia on April 22.

Meeting Madagascar President Hery Rajaonarimampianina, the President proposed facilitating high-level visits as well as mutual support at international organisations and forums.

He said both sides should exert more joint efforts to boost economic ties, suggesting the establishment of an Inter-governmental Committee and signing several cooperative deals.

President Rajaonarimampianina proposed establishing partnership in farming, mining, telecommunications, adding that Madagascar will send a delegation to Vietnam to discuss joint work in agriculture.

President Sang welcomed his proposal and vowed to direct ministries and agencies to work for optimal results.

In a dialogue with Vice President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa, the Vietnamese leader said Vietnam treasures the traditional friendship with South Africa, one of its significant partners in Africa.

He requested thorough preparations for the upcoming Vietnam visit by President Zuma, continued exchange of all-level visits, and collaboration at regional and global forums.

Economically, both sides should strive for 1 billion USD in two-way trade, he said while praising South Africa’s role in trilateral cooperation in agriculture and helping African nations deal with the food shortage.

At a reception for Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom, the President hoped for more incentives for the two business communities, considering that the Vietnam – European Union free trade agreement is to be signed.

While meeting Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj, the State leader said Vietnam values the development of time-honoured friendship and strategic partnership between the two nations, and hopes to further bilateral ties, including the increase of visits by leaders, with the upcoming Vietnam visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India visit by National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung.

He also urged efforts to fulfil the goal of 15 billion USD worth of two-way trade by 2020 and continued support for business affiliation in oil and gas, energy, infrastructure, information technology, farm produce processing, and garment materials.

Both sides should tap the potential offered by the Vietnam – India direct flight, he said.

Swaraj invited Vietnamese businesses to India to seek business opportunities, saying that the “Made in India” programme initiated by PM Modi is offering great opportunities for both sides to enhance cooperation.

On bilateral basis, President Sang urged both countries to work closely and effectively at regional and global forums, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the East Asia Summit, the ASEAN Regional Forum, and the United Nations.

Both sides reiterated the significance of maintaining peace, stability, maritime security and safety, and the settlement of disputes in the East Sea by peaceful means in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea, and early building of the Code of Conduct in the East Sea.

In bilateral meetings, the Vietnamese leader called on countries to back Vietnam’s bid for a seat at the Executive Council of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation for the 2015-2019 tenure, membership of the UN Economic and Social Council for 2016-2018 and non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council for 2020-2021.

VNA