President Truong Tan Sang and his Iranian counterpart, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, have affirmed their determination to further strengthen and develop Vietnam-Iran bilateral ties, especially in trade, agriculture, seafood, culture, sports and tourism.

After a welcome ceremony for the Iranian leader in Hanoi on November 9, the two expressed their pleasure at the burgeoning cooperation between the two countries.

They also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual concern.

President Sang affirmed Vietnam’s unswerving external relations policy of friendship and partnerships with foreign countries – to strive for peace, independence and development.

In its foreign policy of multilateralisation and diversification, Vietnam attaches importance to developing friendship and cooperation with traditional friends - including Iran , said Sang.

Vietnam will closely cooperate with Iran and other members of the Non-Aligned Movement to help the organisation further develop, he added.

President Ahmadinejad wished Vietnam success with its socio-economic development targets that will prosper the country and increase their position in the world arena.

He also took the occasion to invite Sang to make an official visit to Iran. Sang accepted the invitation with pleasure. The visit will be arranged via diplomatic channels.