President Truong Tan Sang attended the second and third plenarysessions of the Asian-African Conference and met world leaders inJakarta, Indonesia on April 22. Meeting MadagascarPresident Hery Rajaonarimampianina, the President proposed facilitatinghigh-level visits as well as mutual support at internationalorganisations and forums. He said both sides shouldexert more joint efforts to boost economic ties, suggesting theestablishment of an Inter-governmental Committee and signing severalcooperative deals. President Rajaonarimampianinaproposed establishing partnership in farming, mining,telecommunications, adding that Madagascar will send a delegation toVietnam to discuss joint work in agriculture. President Sang welcomed his proposal and vowed to direct ministries and agencies to work for optimal results. In a dialogue with Vice President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa, theVietnamese leader said Vietnam treasures the traditional friendshipwith South Africa, one of its significant partners in Africa. He requested thorough preparations for the upcoming Vietnam visit byPresident Zuma, continued exchange of all-level visits, andcollaboration at regional and global forums. Economically, both sides should strive for 1 billion USD in two-waytrade, he said while praising South Africa’s role in trilateralcooperation in agriculture and helping African nations deal with thefood shortage. At a reception for Swedish ForeignMinister Margot Wallstrom, the President hoped for more incentives forthe two business communities, considering that the Vietnam – EuropeanUnion free trade agreement is to be signed. Whilemeeting Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj, the State leader saidVietnam values the development of time-honoured friendship and strategicpartnership between the two nations, and hopes to further bilateralties, including the increase of visits by leaders, with the upcomingVietnam visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India visit byNational Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung. Healso urged efforts to fulfil the goal of 15 billion USD worth of two-waytrade by 2020 and continued support for business affiliation in oil andgas, energy, infrastructure, information technology, farm produceprocessing, and garment materials. Both sides should tap the potential offered by the Vietnam – India direct flight, he said. Swaraj invited Vietnamese businesses to India to seek businessopportunities, saying that the “Made in India” programme initiated by PMModi is offering great opportunities for both sides to enhancecooperation. On bilateral basis, President Sangurged both countries to work closely and effectively at regional andglobal forums, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, theEast Asia Summit, the ASEAN Regional Forum, and the United Nations. Both sides reiterated the significance of maintainingpeace, stability, maritime security and safety, and the settlement ofdisputes in the East Sea by peaceful means in line with internationallaw, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea, and earlybuilding of the Code of Conduct in the East Sea. Inbilateral meetings, the Vietnamese leader called on countries to backVietnam’s bid for a seat at the Executive Council of the UN Educational,Scientific and Cultural Organisation for the 2015-2019 tenure,membership of the UN Economic and Social Council for 2016-2018 andnon-permanent membership of the UN Security Council for 2020-2021.-VNA