Azernews.Az

By Gunay Hasanova

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani’s visit to Vietnam is expected to boost the bilateral ties between two countries, as the president said his visit to Southeast Asian state opens a “new chapter” in Tehran-Hanoi relations.

The two countries stressed the need for international cooperation among developing countries, given regional and international complicated situation, reads a joint statement on the end of Rouhani's visit to Hanoi.

The statement released by local media emphasized that maintaining peace and security in South-East Asia and West Asia will benefit the entire world.

Referring to meetings between Rouhani and Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang and Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, as well as, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong, the statement noted that the meetings took place in a friendly and cordial atmosphere where both sides discussed issues of mutual interest and international developments.

A wide range of issues were discussed during the meeting between the leaders of two countries, while Hassan Rouhani has praised his talks with senior Vietnamese officials as successful.

Iran and Vietnam agreed to boost mutual cooperation in trade and investment sectors and also prepare suitable conditions for business in the two countries to help materialize the target of two billion dollars exchanges in future.

Promoting exchanges on fighting smuggling, narcotics and cyber crimes and cooperation on health, tourism, youth and sports were also among the other issues mentioned in the statement.

The leaders of the two countries highlighted the constructive role of international community in fighting terrorism and extremism, calling for effective cooperation in the field.

Both sides expressed their willingness to boost cooperation in different areas and joint efforts to help Asian development and welfare.

Iran appreciated Vietnam for its support for Iran accession to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Hanoi also thanked Iran for supporting Vietnam's candidacy in international organizations including for UNESCO general director position during 2017-2021.

Moreover, President Rouhani said that Iran is ready to hold the 9th session of the Iran-Vietnam Joint Economic Commission in Tehran in the nearest future.

He added that Iran is seeking to strengthen bilateral relations between the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) and the Association of Asian Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

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Gunay Hasanova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @gunhasanova

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