(VOVworld) - Vietnam respects its cooperation with Saudi Arabia and calls for its support in Vietnam’s bid for the United Nations Economic and Social Council and Security Council’s membership.

President Truong Tan Sang told the outgoing Saudi Ambassador Salah Hamed Sarhan in Hanoi on Tuesday that both countries should double their current two way trade turnover, promote labor cooperation and open a direct flight service between Vietnam and Saudi Arabia. He expected oil and gas cooperation to be a flagship in bilateral economic cooperation. The Ambassador said Saudi Arabia considers Vietnam an important partner and expected the joint governmental committee to boost bilateral ties in international forums and the United Nations.