Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Qatari Ambassador Khalid Ali Abdullah Abel. Photo: Lai Hoa/VOV

At a reception in Hanoi on Tuesday for Qatar’s Ambassador to Vietnam, Khalid Ali Abdullah Abel, the Prime Minister said Vietnam aims to promote solidarity to build strength, cooperation to mobilize resources, and dialogue to foster trust. He reaffirmed that Vietnam stands ready to cooperate with and support Qatar in ensuring food security.

Prime Minister Chinh urged the Ambassador to work closely with Vietnamese authorities to implement bilateral agreements, particularly ensuring the supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Vietnam under signed contracts; facilitating Vietnam’s access to Qatar’s overseas oil and gas reserves; and coordinating the development of regional petroleum storage facilities in Vietnam in the near future.

At the meeting (Photo: Lai Hoa/VOV)

The Prime Minister also called for enhanced cooperation in politics, economics, education and training, culture, labor, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges. He stressed the need to prioritize strengthening coordination with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, accelerating negotiations for a Vietnam-GCC Free Trade Agreement, promoting market access, and encouraging Qatari investment in Vietnam, especially in international financial centers in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang. He urged Qatar to support Vietnam in developing the Halal industry and establish mutual recognition mechanisms for Halal certification.

Ambassador Abel affirmed his commitment to advancing the areas of cooperation outlined by the Prime Minister, noting that both sides should adopt new approaches and develop appropriate strategic plans to further strengthen bilateral ties.