Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính meets Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, Tanzanian Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, in HCM City on Wednesday. — VNA/VNS Photo Dương Giang

HCM CITY — Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính on Wednesday suggested Việt Nam and Tanzania prioritise economic cooperation and work toward completing the legal framework for bilateral collaboration.

The leader made the suggestion while hosting Tanzanian Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Mahmoud Thabit Kombo in HCM City, where he attended a grand ceremony celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975-2025).

PM Chính welcomed the first official visit to Việt Nam by the Tanzanian minister, which took place on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries (February 14, 1965–2025).

The leader emphasised that the presence of the minister and distinguished guests from Tanzania at the celebration brought joy and valuable encouragement to the Party, the State, and the people of Việt Nam.

Chính expressed deep appreciation for the support that the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (Party of the Revolution—CCM), the Government, and the people of Tanzania have extended to Việt Nam during its past struggle for national independence and in its ongoing nation-building efforts.

The PM noted his belief that Tanzania will achieve even greater successes in national construction and development.

Chính suggested the two countries enhance delegation exchanges at all levels and expressed his hope to soon welcome President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa to Việt Nam.

He also suggested Tanzania soon open its embassy in Việt Nam and called for joint efforts in negotiating and signing a free trade agreement, promoting cooperation in areas with potential and strengths, such as digital transformation, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, aviation, education and training, and cybersecurity.

On this occasion, Chính proposed that the Tanzanian government continue to facilitate the investment and operations of Viettel and other Vietnamese enterprises in the country.

In reply, Kombo expressed his honour in being present and sharing in the joy of the Vietnamese people during the celebration.

The minister said that witnessing firsthand the patriotism of the Vietnamese people and the remarkable development of Việt Nam gave him a deeper understanding of the great value of Hồ Chí Minh's ideology and the wise path chosen by the Communist Party of Việt Nam.

He conveyed regards and an invitation from Samia Suluhu Hassan, CCM Chairwoman and President of Tanzania, to Vietnamese Party and State leaders to visit Tanzania soon.

Agreeing with the proposals and directions for cooperation outlined by the PM, Kombo said he hopes for more Vietnamese businesses to explore investment opportunities in Tanzania, particularly in agriculture, including cashew production and processing, as well as other agricultural products.

He emphasised leveraging Tanzania's strategic location as a gateway to access East African markets.

The minister committed to advancing the negotiations and signing of investment promotion and protection, and double taxation avoidance agreements, and other sector-specific cooperation documents to create a favourable legal framework for bilateral cooperation. — VNA/VNS