(VOVworld) - Vietnam’s Foreign Ministry and Iceland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade should work together to boost engagements between their countries’ ministries, localities and businesses, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh said this week. Meeting Icelandic Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson in Hanoi on Wednesday, Minh said Vietnam values its ties with traditional friends in Europe, including Iceland. He thanked Iceland for backing Vietnam’s bid for a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2014-2016 tenure and the United Nations Socio-Economic Council for 2016-2018. He said he hopes the two nations will continue their close mutual support at regional and global forums.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh holds talks with Icelandic Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson.

Sveinsson said the visit of the Icelandic President reflects a policy of expanding ties with Asia, where Vietnam is a significant partner. The two sides reached consensus on joint projects in the areas of trade, investment, aquaculture, renewable energy, tourism, education, and training. They also agreed to accelerate the signing of a free trade agreement between Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association, to create a favourable framework for expanding bilateral trade and investment.

Mr. Minh also met in Hanoi Wednesday with President of the Belgian Senate Christine Defraigne, who is on an official visit to Vietnam. Minh voiced pleasure at the flourishing bilateral relations since the two countries set up diplomatic ties in 1973 and praised expanded cooperation at the federal, regional and community level.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (R) welcomes President of the Belgian Senate Christine Defraigne (Photo: VNA)

Defraigne said she is impressed by Vietnam’s socio-economic development and the growth of their relationship, and spoke highly of Vietnam’s diplomatic achievements and standing in the regional and global arena. She underlined the Belgium Senate’s advocacy of cooperation in all fields and at all levels.