Algiers(VNA) – Malian President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita expressed his hope tostrengthen partnership with Vietnam in many fields during a meeting with VietnameseAmbassador Pham Quoc Tru who presented his credentials to him in Mali’s capitalcity of Mamako on March 27.

President Keita showedhis warm sentiments to Vietnam as well as his admiration towards President HoChi Minh.

He said that he hopesAmbassador Tru will work to contribute to the growth of the Vietnam-Malirelations.

For his part,Ambassador Tru conveyed President Tran Dai Quang’s invitation to visit Vietnamto the host.

He affirmed Vietnam’swish and determination to further bolster partnership with Mali in all areas.

Earlier on March 26,the diplomat had a meeting with Malian Foreign Minister Tieman HubertCoulibaly, during which the two sides discussed measures to boost thedevelopment of cooperation between the two countries in the future, especiallyin economy.

They agreed on theneed to increase the exchange of delegations, and the completion of legalframework to facilitate bilateral cooperation. They concurred to resumemeetings of the Inter-Governmental Committee, while strengthening collaborationbetween the two Chambers of Commerce and Industry in connecting businesses ofboth sides and promoting trade and investment activities.

The two countries willcoordinate with and support each other at international forums.

Vietnam and Maliestablished diplomatic relations in October 10, 1960, just one month after Malideclared its independence.

In 1962, Vietnamopened its embassy in Mali, which was one of the first two embassies in Africa.The Malian side also supported Vietnam during the war against the US, theambassador told Vietnam News Agency’s correspondent in Algiers.

The two countries have enjoyed sound partnership, he said, adding that thesound traditional friendship between the two countries over the past decadeshas laid firm foundation for the growth of bilateral partnership in the future.

However, he pointed toinstable political situation in Mali, which hinders the development ofbilateral ties. He said that he hopes the situation will be improved, and thetwo countries will strengthen cooperation in various fields, especially economyand trade.

Two-way trade betweenVietnam and Mali has increased through years. In 2016, Vietnam’s imports fromMali were about 45 million USD worth of goods, while exports were valued at nearly5 million USD. The figures surged sharply to over 42 million USD and 30 millionUSD, respectively, in the first nine months of 2017. - VNA