The alumni said they cherished warm memories of Armenia. Photos: JD

The Association brings together the associtation’s members and Vietnamese people who once studied and worked in Armenia.

Greeting the Prime Minister and his spouse, VAFA President Nguyen Van Thuan highlighted the support the Government and people of Armenia provided for Vietnam during the past struggle for national independence and territorial integrity.

Armenia also helped train thousands of Vietnamese students and apprentices, who have now become competent scientists and managers, he said, adding that the precious assistance has contributed significantly to forming an important foundation for the friendship between the two nations.

Established in 2014, VAFA has taken great efforts to maintain and develop people-to-people exchanges in the context of the growing Vietnam-Armenia relations, Thuan said.

The organization has also worked closely with the Embassy of Armenia in Vietnam to promote cooperation among agencies and organizations of the two countries to update information on socio-economic development and promote the images and culture of each nation.

This year, many alumni wanted to return and visit the Yerevan State University on occasion of its 100th anniversary, Thuan added.

The Armenian Prime Minister said he was happy to see many so friends of Armenia contributing to Vietnam’s development. “Some 1000 Vietnamese students were trained in Armenian universities during the Soviet era, and today we have 1,000 ambassadors in this country,” he said, adding that during his interview with the Prime Minister of Vietnam they discussed the development of cooperation in the field of education and possibilities for implementing perse programs.

The two leaders also witnessed the signing of an agreement on cooperation in education and science between the two governments.

Noting that this year marks the Yerevan State University’s 100^th anniversary, the Premier invited all YSU alumni to attend the jubilee events this fall.

The VAFA’s members welcomed Nikol Pashinyan’s initiative and thanked him for the meeting.

Armenian songs were performed during the meeting by the alumni, held in a warm atmosphere.

VAFA presents a painting for Armenian PM and his spouse.

Vietnam and Armenia have maintained good political ties since they established diplomatic ties on July 14, 1992. Armenia opened its embassy in Vietnam in August 2013.

The two countries have set up an inter-governmental committee for Economic, Commercial, Scientific and Technological Cooperation, which convened its first meeting in March 2017.

Economic-commercial cooperation between the two countries remains modest, standing at 3.6 million USD in 2018. Vietnam signed a free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), to which Armenia is a member, in May 2015. The deal took effect on October 5, 2016.

Vietnam and Armenia have signed agreements on cooperation in economy-trade, culture and science-technology, and investment encouragement and protection. The two countries also waive visas for each other’s bearers of diplomatic and official passports./.

VNF