Hanoi (VNA) – President Vo Van Thuong on April 18 received theAmbassadors of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sri Lanka and Chile to Vietnamwho came to present their credentials.

Welcoming UAE Ambassador Bader Almatrooshi, Thuong extendedhis best wishes to the diplomat during the holy month of Ramadan - the month offasting for Muslims. He expressed his hope that the diplomat will act as abridge boosting the two countries’ relations.

Bader Almatrooshi suggested the two countries promotecooperation in socio-culture and education.

The UAE is currently Vietnam’s leading trade partner in theMiddle East, with annual two-way trade of 8 billion USD, he said, adding thathis country wants to expand collaboration with Vietnam in various fields, aspotential remains huge.

He proposed both sides step up high-level contacts totighten political ties, especially on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

President Thuong stressed the need for appropriate measures to soon bringtwo-way trade to 10 billion USD, adding hehopes the UAE will promote investment in Vietnam, particularly in education,culture and tourism.

At his reception for Sri Lankan Ambassador Sajeewa UmangaMendis, Thuong affirmed that Vietnam always attaches importance to developingits traditional friendship and multifaceted collaboration with Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lankan diplomat appreciated Vietnam’s socio-economicdevelopment achievements, and showed his hope that the two sides will maintaincooperation and experience sharing, and boost people-to-people exchanges.

Thuong emphasised the importance of promotinghigh-level contacts and people-to-people diplomacy to intensify friendship andmutual understanding; and stepping up the implementation of existingcooperation mechanisms.

They agreed to promote bilateral cooperation in trade andinvestment, and share experiencein poverty reduction, human development, education, health and culture.

Receiving Chilean Ambassador Sergio Narea Guzman, the leader expressed his delight at the development of theVietnam-Chile relations through the regular exchange of delegations andpeople-to-people diplomacy.

The two sides also need to promote existing cooperationmechanisms, support each other at multilateral forums, and share views andvisions on international and regional issues.

With a two-way trade of more than 2 billion USD, there remainsan ample room for bilateral cooperation, noted Thuong.

The Chilean ambassador expressed his hopethat the two nations will expand collaboration in all fields, especiallypolitics, economics and people-to-people exchanges./.