Hanoi (VNA) – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh hashad a meeting with Nathaniel F.McGill, Chief of Staff in the office of the Liberian President, when he attendedthe second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing betweenApril 25 and 27.

Atthe function, both sides expressed their delight at fast growth of cooperationbetween the two countries since their diplomatic relations were established inJune 2016. Bilateral trade doubled within a year after the establishment andexceeded 70 million USD in 2018.

PraisingVietnam’s impressive growth, McGill said he hopes Vietnamese firms willincrease their study of investment opportunities in Liberia, as the country isturning itself into a dynamic development hub with tax incentives in Africa.

Hesuggested the Vietnamese Government and enterprises assist and share experiencewith Liberia in rice cultivation and production.

Forhis part, Minh asked Liberia to back Vietnam’s bid for a non-permanent seat atthe UN Security Council (UNSC) in the 2020-2021 tenure.

Hestated Vietnam is willing to boost the bilateral ties to new heights towardeffectiveness and practical outcomes, particularly in economy, trade andinvestment.

SharingVietnam’s successful agricultural experience, Minh suggested both sides studydifferent cooperation measures in agriculture and rice production, especiallymultilateral collaboration models that Vietnam has successfully carried outwith an African country.

Thesides agreed to increase the exchange of delegations, particularly high-levelones, and hoped the Liberian President to soon visit Vietnam.

Whilein Beijing, the Deputy PM also met with Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Minister forForeign Affairs and International Cooperation of Djibouti.


CongratulatingDjibouti on its normalization of ties with Eritrea for peace and nationaldevelopment, Minh affirmed Vietnam wants to boost cooperation with the country.

Djiboutiwill be a bridge for Vietnam to step up trade and investment with Africancountries, he said.

Forhis part, Youssouf stated he supports Vietnam’s candidacy for a non-permanentseat in the UNSC in the 2020-2021 tenure.

Theofficial hoped Vietnam and Djibouti always coordinate well at multilateralforums and international organisations, including the UN and the InternationalOrganisation of Francophonie.

Bothsides agreed to enhance the two nations’ multifaceted cooperation, particularlyin economy, and to encourage their enterprises to study each other’s market andinvestment opportunities.

Theysaid they will push for the countries’ early signing of an agreement on visaexemption for holders of diplomatic and service passports, organiseVietnam-Djibouti political consultations, and boost visits between Vietnameseand Djiboutian officials.-VNA