Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim, who was on an official visit to Việt Nam from August 22-24 at the invitation of Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc, has granted the Vietnam News Agency an interview. — VNZ/VNS Photo Thống Nhất

HÀ NỘI — Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim, who was on an official visit to Việt Nam from August 22-24 at the invitation of Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc, has granted the Vietnam News Agency an interview. 

PM Yildirim emphasised that he is the first Turkish Prime Minister to visit Việt Nam since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1978. 

He noted the visit “is late but is a good start” for more high-level visits between the two sides in the future, which would contribute to the improvement of Việt Nam-Turkey relations. 

PM Yildirim highlighted Turkey’s location between Europe and Asia, while Việt Nam is a member of ASEAN. Both nations have relative large populations and rapid economic growth, with “comparative advantages to do fruitful things together”. 

The target to increase bilateral trade to US$4 billion by 2020, which now stands at less than $2 billion, is achievable, he stressed, adding his delight at strong investment between the sides across many fields. 

The official said daily flights from Istanbul to Hà Nội and HCM City have facilitated travel between Việt Nam and Turkey and recommended that easing the visa regime could help activities thrive. 

Concerning measures Turkey would take to enhance trade with Việt Nam, Binali Yildirim said his country is ready to start negotiating a free trade agreement and has already decided upon double taxation avoidance and trade facilitation with Việt Nam. 

The PM said investors from Turkey are eyeing the Vietnamese sectors of infrastructure, tourism, renewable energy, tourism, textiles, mining, and ship-building. 

Many Turkish businesses operating in Việt Nam said they are happy with the investment climate and appreciate assistance from the local Government, he added. 

Talking about the importance of Việt Nam in Turkey’s foreign diplomacy, he said the countries are working together in various bilateral and international areas. 

He stated Turkey supports Việt Nam’s bid for a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council in 2020-21, and asked Việt Nam to back his country’s effort to become a member of UNESCO’S executive board for 2017–21. 

He also pointed to education as an important cooperative sphere, saying Turkey is willing to offer scholarships for Vietnamese students and take part in student exchange programmes. 

The PM said during his trip so far, he has been impressed with the sincerity and hospitality of Vietnamese people and strong will of Vietnamese leaders in boosting bilateral ties. 

He noted Việt Nam and Turkey will jointly celebrate 40 years since the founding of diplomatic relations next year. 

He congratulated Việt Nam on the celebration of the 72nd anniversary of National Day (September 2) with a belief that younger generations would inherit and sustain achievements Việt Nam had obtained under the leadership of the late President Hồ Chí Minh. — VNS