HÀ NỘI – Acting President Đặng Thị Ngọc Thịnh affirmed that Việt Nam treasures its traditional friendship with Belarus during a reception in Hà Nội on Wednesday for Chairman of the Council of the Republic of Belarus’ National Assembly Mikhail Myasnikovich.

Myasnikovich is in Việt Nam to attend the State funeral of President Trần Đại Quang.

Thịnh said the regular exchange of visits has fostered trust between the two countries’ leaders, creating a driving force for Việt Nam-Belarus ties.

The Vietnamese State will work with Belarus to realise outcomes reached during President Alexander Lukashenko’s visit to Việt Nam in 2015, and President Quang’s visit to Belarus in 2017, contributing to strengthening bilateral ties and meeting the aspirations of the two countries’ peoples and President Quang, she said.

She lauded the mutual support of the two countries at international organisations and forums such as the UN, the Non-Aligned Movement and the Inter-Parliamentary Union.

The host stressed Việt Nam wants to foster economic and trade ties with Belarus and work together to realise the Việt Nam-Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement.

Việt Nam is ready to create favourable conditions for the automobile manufacturing and assembly joint-venture MAZ Asia to operate effectively, as well as push forward links in the fields of national defence-security, science-technology, culture and tourism, she said.

Lauding joint work between Việt Nam’s Lào Cai Province and Belarus’ Brest region, Hải Phòng City and Vitebsk Province, Hà Nội and Minsk, and Hưng Yên and Minsk province over recent years, the Acting President committed all possible support to the two countries’ localities.

Myasnikovich conveyed the profound condolences of President Alexander Lukashenko and Belarusian people to the Vietnamese Party, State and people, as well as the family of President Quang over the passing of the leader.

He said Belarus will continue realising agreements reached during President Quang’s trip to the nation in June 2017.

He expressed wishes that the Vietnamese State will continue supporting joint work between the two nations, especially in economy, trade, investment and people-to-people exchange.

The guest said Belarus imports many Vietnamese goods, believing the Việt Nam-Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement will help boost bilateral trade. — VNS