DOHA — Politburo member of the Communist Party of Việt Nam (CPV) Trương Thị Mai has been visiting the Middle East, meeting Qataris officials to discuss measures to boost bilateral relations.

Mai, who is also head of the CPV Central Committee’s Commission for Mass Mobilisation, met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Deputy Speaker Mohammed Bin Abdullah Al-Sulaiti of the Shura Council – one of the two main branches of Qatar’s legislative body, and Minister of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs Yousuf Mohamed Al Othman Fakhroo.

The Qatar leaders spoke highly of Việt Nam’s achievements in national construction and development, saying they regard Việt Nam as an important partner and a prioritised nation in Qatar’s foreign policy.

They also highly valued the role and position of Việt Nam in the region and the world and expected the two sides will further bolster cooperation and friendship for the benefit of their people.

Mai thanked the hosts for their warm welcome, adding the State, Party and people of Việt Nam always treasure and look forward to strengthening bilateral ties with Qatar.

She suggested several measures to boost the Việt Nam-Qatar relations in various fields, including politics, diplomacy, trade, investment, oil and gas, tourism and workforce cooperation, in the future.

The Party official also thanked Qatar for backing Việt Nam’s candidacy as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2020-21 term and asked for Qatar’s support for Việt Nam to become a dialogue partner of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

During the visit from August 17-21, Mai asked the Qatari leaders to create favourable conditions for Vietnamese people living in Qatar and share with Việt Nam experience in mass mobilisation, citizen protection and management of social organisations.

The two sides agreed to further promote their good relationship, step up the exchange of delegations at all levels and facilitate the Qatari Emir’s visit to Việt Nam – especially the establishment of friendship parliament groups, enhance political consultations to exchange views on issues of mutual concern, closely and effectively coordinate at regional and international forums.

The two sides are also expected to sign an agreement on visa exemption for diplomatic and official passport holders, step up partnership in trade, investment and oil and gas, and promote a number of projects that support education for Vietnamese children.

Mai later visited and talked to representatives of the Vietnamese community and the Vietnamese Embassy’s staff in Qatar. — VNS