At a reception for South African Ambassador Kgomotso Ruth Magau, the President emphasised that the political relations between the two countries have been developing through the signing of a joint statement on development cooperation.

In term of economics, South Africa is Vietnam ’s leading trade partner in Africa , he noted.

He thanked the African Government for funding an agriculture cooperation project in Vietnam .

Ambassador Kgomotso Ruth Magau hoped that Vietnam will share with South Africa its experience in poverty reduction, job creation, agriculture development.

Receiving Slovakian Ambassador Igor Pacolak, Sang spoke highly of the opening of Vietnamese and Slovakian embassies in each country, contributing to fostering the traditional cooperation between the two countries in all fields.

Pacolak said he wants to study more about Vietnam ’s localities to seek opportunities for businesses of both sides to boost cooperation.

The President told Spanish Ambassador Alfonso Tena Garcia that Vietnam always create favourable conditions for foreign businesses, especially those from Spain to invest in Vietnam for mutual benefit.

He asked relevant agencies of both countries to foster cultural exchange to strengthen mutual understanding between the two peoples.

Alfonso Tena Garcia pointed out that Spanish businesses are strong in infrastructure development, aviation management and willing to cooperate with Vietnam .

Meanwhile, Azerbaijani Ambassador Lachin Oglu Imanov showed interest in cooperation with Vietnam in oil and gas, tourism and education. He suggested that both countries take measures to help their businesses to inquire into market and set up relations, and coordinate to a direct air route.

Estonian Ambassador Toomas Lukk said his country is keen on enhancing trade with Vietnam .

Sang confirmed that Vietnam treasures the traditional friendship with Azerbaijan and Estonia and hoped that the sides will consider the possibility to sign cooperation agreement and treaties.

Meeting with Nepal ’s Ambassador Paras Ghimire, Sang said the two sides should step up cooperation in the fields of each country’s strengths such as economics, trade and tourism. He hailed coordination between the two countries at international and regional forums.

Ghimire emphasised that during his term of office in Vietnam , he will focus on fostering bilateral cooperation in trade, tourism and people-to-people exchanges./.