Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc hosted a reception for Venezuelan Ambassador Jorge Rondon Uzcategui at the end of his tenure in Hà Nội yesterday. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc hosted a reception for Venezuelan Ambassador Jorge Rondon Uzcategui at the end of his tenure in Hà Nội yesterday.

As the first Venezuelan ambassador to Việt Nam the diplomat arrived in January 2006 with the mission of establishing an embassy, marking a milestone in the two nations’ ties.

At the reception, the PM expressed his gratitude to the Venezuelan diplomat for his contributions to the development of the Việt Nam-Venezuela friendship and comprehensive co-operation over the past nearly 14 years, about half of the time since the countries set up diplomatic ties in December 1989. 

Việt Nam always attached importance to promoting co-operation with Venezuela, the leader affirmed. 

PM Phúc also voiced his hope that the Venezuelan diplomat, in any capacity, would continue contributing to bilateral relations.

For his part, the ambassador said the countries were focusing on oil and gas and agriculture co-operation, adding that Venezuela would continue to facilitate projects with Việt Nam in those fields. 

On the occasion, a Friendship Order was bestowed on the diplomat.

The honour, approved by the President, is given to foreign individuals and collectives that have made great contributions to building, consolidating and developing the friendship between Vietnam and other countries around the world. — VNS