President Truong Tan Sang assured all possible support to new Ambassadors of Belgium, Finland, Switzerland, the European Union, Ireland and Iran during separate receptions in Hanoi on October 19. Meeting Belgian Ambassador Jehanne Roccas, President Sang thanked Belgium for its provision of official development assistance to Vietnam over the past time. After the free trade agreement between Vietnam and the EU takes effect, two-way trade between Vietnam and Belgium will surpass the current 2 billion USD and the number of Belgian projects in Vietnam will increase, he confidently stated. Roccas said as respective member of the ASEAN and EU, Vietnam and Belgium share the common goal of fostering regional connectivity, maintaining regional security stability and mutual development She said she would boost bilateral cooperation in fields of strength, including environment technology, applied informatics, agriculture, food processing and logistics, among others, during her tenure. Belgium will continue assisting Vietnam in governance, climate change, green development while strengthening people-to-people exchange, education and tourism, she promised. During a reception to Finnish Ambassador Ilkka-Pekka Antero Simila, the State leader thanked the government and people of Finland for their non-refundable aid worth around 340 million USD to Vietnam. He hoped that with strengths in information technology and forestry, Finland will provide continued support for Vietnam in green economic and sustainable environment development, and natural resource management. The Finnish Ambassador vowed to liaison with Vietnamese ministries and agencies concerned to strengthen coordination across information technology and green environment. Receiving Swiss Ambassador Beatrice Maser Mallor, the host wished for joint preparations for the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties next year. Expressing desire for mutual support at global forums, the President expected Switzerland to back Vietnam’s bid for non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2020-2021 tenure as well as its efforts to achieve the UN sustainable development goals. He was delighted at the considerable pace of two-way trade that topped 625 million USD last year which he said, is on track to a 1 billion USD after the EU-Vietnam free trade agreement (EVFTA) comes into force. Maser Mallor, in response, said Vietnam remains a priority in Switzerland’s development policy, adding that the European country will further collaboration with Vietnam in education, scientific research, hospitality and tourism. At a meeting with EU Ambassador Bruno Angelet, the leader expressed thanks to the EU - one of the largest ODA supplier of Vietnam, stressing that the country never forgets assistance provided by international community, including the EU, in its path to achieving the UN millennial development goals. The EU is Vietnam’s second largest trade partner and export market, behind China and the US, respectively, he said. With strenuous efforts, the EVFTA is likely to be signed later this year, he said. He also informed his guest that Vietnam is advocating policies encouraging entrepreneurship and extending business rights to the greatest extend. Angelet said both sides are hopefully cooperative across economic, security and policy sectors, towards improving productivity, competitiveness and green development. Sharing his host’s concern over the changing climate, the ambassador said the EU would continue working with Vietnam to mitigate devastating effects of climate change. Irish Ambassador, for his part, said the year 2016 will mark the 20th anniversary of Vietnam-Ireland diplomatic ties. In the coming time, Ireland will continue helping Vietnam meet the UN sustainable development goals and gain the status of non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2020-2021 tenure. The President asked for further engagements in poverty reduction, human resources training and improvement of State agencies’ capacity. In another dialogue with Iranian Ambassador Saleh Abidi, the host believed that the new diplomat would coordinate with Vietnamese agencies to intensify ties across oil and gas, farming, tourism, trade and investment. He said a framework nuclear agreement recently reached between Iran and Group P5+1 would benefit peace and stability in the region. Ambassador Saleh Abidi said besides existing cooperative areas, both countries are expected to extend their ties into security, anti-terrorism, fundamental sciences and science-technology. Iran is willing to provide scholarships for Vietnamese students pursuing bachelor, master and doctorate degrees, as well as teach the Iranian language in the country. He also hoped for the Vietnamese government’s support in promoting ties with ASEAN member states.-VNA