VN, Iran step up bilateral links
VGP - Viet Nam and Iran signed a number of cooperation agreements on October 14, including a double taxation avoidance agreement; an agreement on the coordination of administrative affairs in customs; a memorandum of understanding on technology, research and education cooperation; and the minutes of the first meeting of the joint working groups on trade.
October 14, 2014 9:10 PM GMT+7
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Deputy PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Iranian Vice President Mohammad Shariatmadari, October 14, 2014 - Photo: VGP |
During the talks, both sides agreed to increase the exchange of visits; enhance their cooperation with a focus on the economy, trade, science and technology; and continue to support each other at international and multilateral forums, such as the Non-Aligned Movement and the United Nations.
They affirmed their determination to increase bilateral trade to US$500 million in the near future.
Deputy PM Phuc asked the Iranian Government to facilitate the export of Vietnamese agricultural and consumer products. He pledged to create favourable conditions for Iranian businesses to expand their operations and investments in Viet Nam.
The Iranian side asked Viet Nam to help accelerate the signing of a Treaty of Amity and Cooperation between Iran and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
He said he would strive to ensure the effective implementation of the agreements signed between the two countries and their cooperation projects in the future.
On October 13, the Vietnamese official held a meeting with Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, during which they agreed on specific measures to enhance their bilateral multi-faceted cooperation.
The Iranian FM declared that his country treasured the traditional friendship with Viet Nam and hoped current bottlenecks in bilateral trade would be cleared soon.
He also held a working session with the Vietnamese Embassy’s staff.
Deputy PM Phuc will conclude his three-day visit to the Western Asian country on October 15.-VNA
