President Truong Tan Sang gave separate receptions in Hanoi on August 15 for new ambassadors of Singapore, the Gabonese Republic, Sierra Leon, Micronesia, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan who presented him their credentials.

In his meeting with Singaporean Ambassador Ng Teck Hean, the President affirmed that Vietnam always attaches importance to enhancing friendship and comprehensive cooperation with Singapore .

He spoke highly of the two countries’ leaders’ agreement in principal on ways to elevate bilateral ties towards a strategic partnership.

Praising Singapore for its performance as one of leading investors in Vietnam , President Sang said he wants the regional country to expand investment in localities with development potential in Vietnam , such as Phu Quoc island.

The President welcomed Singapore ’s supportive stance in the East Sea issue, proposing both sides coordinate at regional and international fora.

Ambassador Ng Teck Hean said Singaporean businesses have confidence in investing in Vietnam and affirm to continue pumping investment into the country.

On welcoming Gabon Ambassador Jean Robert Goulongana, the State leader expressed his hope that the Gabonese Republic will work as a bridge for Vietnam and the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC).

He underlined that Vietnam will exert efforts to help Gabon and other CEMAC members access the ASEAN market.

Ambassador Jean Robert Goulongana said he wishes the two countries continue finding out new cooperative mechanisms to strengthen bilateral ties. At a reception for Sierra Leone Ambassador Abubakarr Multi Kamara, the President affirmed Vietnam ’s support for and cooperation with the country in many areas, including food security.

Ambassador Abubakarr Multi Kamara affirmed that his country will support Vietnam ’s legitimate rights and interests.

While receiving Micronesian Ambassador Akilino Haris Susaia, Sang stressed that Vietnam follows closely situations in the South Pacific and wants to develop friendship with Micronesia and island nations in the region.

He asked the diplomat to work for stronger ties between Vietnam and Micronesia and South Pacific island nations.

Expressing his honour as the first Micronesian ambassador to Vietnam , Akilino Haris Susaia said the two countries have established effective coordination in multilateral area.

The diplomat introduced his country’s fishing potential, suggesting the Vietnamese agricultural sector cooperate in fishing tunas and exchanging farm produce with Micronesia .

At a meeting with Kazakh Ambassador Nurlan Yermekbayaev, President Sang stressed that in its external policy, Vietnam prioritises to develop ties with traditional friends, including Kazakhstan .

The ambassador affirmed that in his working tenure, he will have specific initiatives to promote bilateral cooperation. He said Kazakhstan is looking forward to President Sang’s coming visit.

Talking with Azerbaijani Ambassador Latif Seyfaddin Oglu Gandilov, Sang said that two-way trade between Vietnam and Azerbaijan has not yet matched with great potential of their economic ties.

He stressed that based on their traditional ties the two countries will seek new opportunities for increasing wide-ranging cooperation. He said he believes that Vietnam and Azerbaijan will soon open their embassies in Bacu and Hanoi , respectively.

The Azerbaijani Ambassador affirmed his country is willing to help Vietnam in human resource training and cooperate in oil and gas exploitation.

He proposed that the two countries should early sign a trade agreement and cooperation documents on the exchange of students.