Armenian President’s visit to boost cooperation with Vietnam

03:06, 08/06/2012

The President of the Republic of Armenia, Serzh Sargsyan began a two-day official visit to Vietnam on June 8 at the invitation of President Truong Tan Sang.

The President of the Republic of Armenia, Serzh Sargsyan began a two-day official visit to Vietnam on June 8 at the invitation of President Truong Tan Sang.

The visit is one of the important events to mark the 20th anniversary of Vietnam-Armenia diplomatic ties.

Over the past years, Vietnam and Armenia have maintained the traditional friendship and political relationship through the regular exchange of visits at all levels.

The recent events included the meeting between former President Nguyen Minh Triet and Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan on the sidelines of the 65th anniversary of the victory over Fascism in Moscow in 2010 and the visit to Vietnam by Armenian Minister of Foreign Affairs Edward Nalbandian in February 2012. During his mission, the Armenian diplomat praised Vietnam’s role and prestige in the region and expressed the hope that Vietnam would support his country in expanding relations with Southeast Asian nations.

Bilateral cooperation has developed steadily in recent times but trade exchange is still far from matching the two countries’ potential.

Two-way trade turnover reached nearly US$21 million in 2010 of which Vietnam imported US$14.9 million and exported more than US$5.1 million worth of goods. Last year’s bilateral trade exchange hit US$7.4 million. Armenia mainly imports from Vietnam telephones and components, steel products, agricultural products, seafood, garments and textiles while exporting machineries, spare parts, cotton, wood furniture and plastic materials to the country.

The Armenian President’s current visit to Vietnam aims to strengthen multifaceted cooperation between the two countries, especially in economic, trade and other potential areas for mutual benefits.

International and regional issues of common concern will be also discussed on this occasion.

(Source: VOV)