Hanoi (VNA) - Outgoing Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia and Uzbekistan Ngo Duc Manh has held severalmeetings with Uzbekistan officials to seek measures to consolidate and promotethe traditional Vietnam-Uzbekistan friendship in the new situation.

At a meeting with Uzbekistan Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs F.A Sidikov, both sideswere delighted at the positive economic development in each nation, with Vietnamrecording 2.9 percent growth and Uzbekistan posting 1.6 percent despite adverse impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic.

They agreed to support each other at multilateral forums, while laying stresson the need to increase the exchange of delegations at all levels.

Impressed by Vietnam’s achievements in the "Doi moi" (renewal) process, particularly inrice and aquaculture, the Uzbekistan diplomat expressed his hope that bothsides will enhance collaboration in the fields of economy, trade, agriculture, andgarment and textile, making it on par with their fine political ties.

The Uzbekistan side agreed to enhance delegation exchanges, promote the signingof an education cooperation agreement, as well as develop tourism and people-to-people exchange with Vietnam.

Manh, for his part, highlighted the sound friendship between the two nations,and spoke highly of Uzbekistan’s support for Vietnam during its struggle for national independence and construction.

Meeting with Director of the Agency for Management of State Assets ofUzbekistan A. Orchikov, the two sides exchanged information and experience in relatedfields.

The Uzbekistan side wanted to learn Vietnam’s experience in privatisation andequitisation of state-owned enterprises.

Earlier, the Vietnamese diplomat had meetings with former Minister of Cultureand Sports R.Kurbanov, who is head of the committee for friendship and cooperation withforeign nations, and President of the Uzbekistan-Vietnam FriendshipAssociation A.R Mukhamedov.

The Uzbekistan side hoped Vietnam will attend exchange festivals in the comingtime.

Mukhamedov highlighted measures to optimise tourism potential of each side,and suggested the opening of direct flights between the two nations andrestoration of educational cooperation and investment attraction.

Besides, he recommended Vietnam to appoint a Consul or an Honorary Consul in Uzbekistan tofacilitate the citizen protection work.

Manh said that he will report the issue to competent authorities forconsideration.

During his working trip, Manh also had meetings with the Vietnamese community in thehost nation to study their situation, and look for measures to remove difficultiesfor them./.