Vietnam, Iran uphold political ties

Both leaders expressed their delight at growing Vietnam-Iran relations since the establishment of their diplomatic ties more than 40 years ago, especially following the Iranian visit by former President Truong Tan Sang in March 2016.

They consented to offer mutual support in spurring the development for their people’s prosperity, and for peace and stability in the region and the world as a whole.

Host and guest underlined the need to consider economic links to promote their bilateral partnership in various fields and fully tap ample

opportunities for economic, trade and investment affiliation that is still far from matching their full potential.

Vietnam hails the United Nations General Assembly’s resolution on a world against violence and extremism initiated by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, President Quang said, adding that the two sides discussed security situation in the region and reiterated their efforts to contribute to peace and resolve conflicts on the basis of internationally-recognized universal principles.

They two leaders reiterated their determination to lift bilateral trade to more than US$2 billion in the time ahead and facilitate businesses' wider cooperation in energy, information and communications, agriculture, fisheries, science-technology and banking.

The two nations will also expand cooperation in culture, education, tourism and people-to-people exchanges.

President Hassan Rouhani informed the media that both sides have reached important consensus on promoting bilateral partnerships across a variety of fields.

He affirmed his nation's willingness to offer better conditions for Vietnamese oil and gas firms to enhance their presence in the country by carrying out existing signed contracts and seeking new business opportunities.

Iran is ready to work with Vietnam in high-tech industry and new technologies, construction materials, transport infrastructure and thermoelectricity, as well as in agricultural production, he noted.

Hassan Rouhani and Quang witnessed the signing of two cooperation documents, one on visa exemption for official passport holders and a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation in information and communications.

On the occasion, President Hassan Rouhani invited his Vietnamese counterpart to visit Iran in the coming time.

Meeting with the Iranian President the same day, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc congratulated Iran on the removal of international sanctions and a nuclear deal secured with the P5+1, saying the new situation opens up great cooperation opportunities for Vietnam and Iran.

PM Phuc lauded the outcomes of the two Presidents’ talks earlier during the day and agreements reached during the visit so far, and pledged to lead the Government in implementing the agreements, towards the goal of bringing bilateral trade turnover to US$2 billion.

The Vietnamese government leader proposed facilitating trade activities, especially the export of tea, seafood, rice, cashew, coffee, peppercorns, apparel, and rubber from Vietnam as well as the shipments of plastic materials, metal, chemicals, ores, machinery, dried fruit and carpets from Iran.

He also supports a joint project between Iran and the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho on the cultivation of Iranian long-grain rice in Vietnam for export to Iran.

The PM urged stronger cooperation in IT and telecommunications, asking the Iranian Government to facilitate the operation of Vietnamese telecom companies in Iran.

He suggested Iran help PetroVietnam in resuming oil exploration at the Danan oil block in Iran, noting that Vietnam’s participation in a broad array of free trade agreements will open up more opportunities for foreign investors and businesses, including those from Iran.

Regarding the East Sea issue, PM Phuc asked Iran to continue supporting the maintenance of peace, stability, security, freedom and safety of navigation and aviation; the settlement of disputes by peaceful measures in line with international law and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS); the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties on the East Sea (DOC) and efforts to achieve a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) within 2017.

The Iranian President in turn told Phuc that his Vietnam visit shows the strong will of Iranian leaders to further strengthen the relationship with Vietnam.

He expressed his nation's desire to work hand in hand with Vietnam in implementing agreements pledged by the two countries’ inter-governmental committee, particularly in the fields of energy, oil and gas, IT and agriculture.

The Iranian State leader said his nation stays ready to supply Vietnam with construction materials and join cooperation projects in building thermo-power plants, water supply systems, and roads and bridges.

He thanked Vietnam for backing his country in becoming a member of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.

President Hassan Rouhani said he hopes the two countries accelerate negotiations to sign a bilateral free trade pact and suggested the establishment of a maritime route between the two countries.

He also suggested stronger connection in cross- cultural exchange, tourism and education, saying Iran will provide more scholarships for Vietnamese students.

Rouhani noted his joy at the signing of several deals between Vietnamese and Iranian central banks, which he said will help bolster the two countries’ comprehensive cooperation in the future.

PM Phuc extended his invitation to visit Vietnam to Iran's First Vice-President Eshaq Jahangiri.