Hanoi (VNA) – The upcoming State visitto Vietnam by President of Mongolia Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh is expected tocontribute to promoting the friendship, solidarity and comprehensive cooperationbetween the two countries.

The visit, from November 1-5, takes place in thecontext that the two countries will celebrate the 70th anniversary of their diplomaticrelations in 2024.

Mongolia was one of the first countries to establishdiplomatic relations with Vietnam (November 17, 1954) and Vietnam was the firstin Southeast Asia that Mongolia set up diplomatic ties with.

Late President Ho Chi Minh visited Mongolia in May1955 on his first overseas trip after peace was restored in Northern Vietnam.

Over the past nearly seven decades, the friendship hasbeen continuously strengthened and developed strongly. Although the bilateral tradehas remained modest, statistics show that it has made progress, increasing from81 million USD in 2021 to 85 million USD last year, and the value stood at 65million USD in the first seven months of this year.

The two countries have maintained mutual support atinternational forums as well as the exchange of visits by their high-rankingleaders.

Since 1979, they have held 18 IntergovernmentalCommittee meetings, and worked to enhance the bilateral cooperation. Notably,they have reached many cooperation agreements in culture, education, andscience-technology.

During his visit to Vietnam in May, Secretary of theNational Security Council of Mongolia Jadamba Enkhbayar affirmed that Mongoliais proud to be a friend of Vietnam whose position and reputation are beingadvanced in the region and the world, and that Vietnam holds a very importantposition in Mongolia's foreign policy in Southeast Asia.

Vietnamese and Mongolian leaders shared the view thatthe cooperation, particularly in trade and investment, has yet to matchpotential and needs of both sides, noting ample room remains for them to furthertheir collaboration.

Vietnam can supply Mongolia withagricultural-aquatic products and construction materials, while the SoutheastAsian nation has demand for coal, metals and especially materials in service ofgarment-textile, in which Mongolia has strengths.

At a reception for Enkhbayar on May 17, President VoVan Thuong suggested the two countries work harder to elevate the relationship andcomprehensive cooperation in the new period.

To that end, the two countries should increaseall-level delegation exchanges, foster mutual understanding and trust, and takemeasures to facilitate exchanges between their citizens, he said.

At a meeting the Chairman of the Vietnam Chamber ofCommerce and Industry (VCCI) in September, Mongolian Ambassador to Vietnam JigjeeSereejav emphasised potential for cooperation in husbandry, agriculture,tourism and pharmaceuticals, among others.

He held that the establishment of a Vietnam -Mongolia Business Council would help strengthen the bilateral business andtrade cooperation, adding within the framework of Khurelsukh’s visit, theMongolian Embassy will organise a business forum./.