Vietnam – one of priorities in Egypt’s Look East policy: ambassador

President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s visit to Vietnam from September 6-7 demonstrates that Egypt attaches importance to Vietnam and considers the country one of the priorities in its Look East policy, said Vietnamese Ambassador to Egypt Do Hoang Long.

He explained that this is the first-ever visit to Vietnam by an Egyptian President since the two countries established their diplomatic ties in 1963.

The visit also reflects Egypt’s expectations to upgrade the diplomatic ties and enhance cooperation in all areas, from politics to economy, trade, investment and education, Long said, stressing that the visit is expected to open up a new chapter in the bilateral relationship.

He reviewed support of the Egyptian Government and people to Vietnam during the struggle for national independence as well as the cause of national construction and development, and highlighted the two countries’ mutual support at international forums.

Vietnam and Egypt boast a lot of potential to step up their collaboration, he said, pointing out similarities in population and development pace shared by the two countries.

However, he said, outcomes of cooperation in economy, trade and investment have yet to match their potential as two-way trade stood at only US$350 million in 2016.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Egypt Do Hoang Long (Photo: VOV)

Given this, the Egyptian President’s visit is hoped to create a good foundation and open up opportunities for the two sides to set up long-term collaboration in various fields like trade, investment and culture.

Ambassador Long said up to 20 documents are expected to be signed during the visit.

He suggested the two countries create a favourable legal corridor and payment system in order to facilitate the operation of their businesses, while forging partnerships between the two countries’ enterprises through their chambers of commerce and industry and associations of businesspeople, especially those in major cities.

There should be a framework agreement on cultural cooperation between the two countries, he said, adding that the Vietnamese and Egyptian ministries of culture will sign a number of cooperation agreements.

The Vietnamese Embassy in Egypt has called for favourable conditions for cultural exchanges between the two countries’ artists, and suggested enhancing friendship between their big cities and establishing friendship associations between them.

The embassy has also proposed organising a programme to promote the image of late President Ho Chi Minh in Egypt, where he had dropped in for three times, laying the foundation for the bilateral ties, the ambassador said.

He called on the two countries to intensify their affiliation in other realms like politics, national defence and security and counterterrorism./.

VNF/VNA