(VOV) - The Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO) held a meeting in Hanoi on Friday to celebrate the 40^th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and Pakistan  (1972-2012). At the ceremony, VUFO Vice President Don Tuan Phong reviewed the significant developments in the two countries’ friendship and cooperation over the last 40 years. Bilateral economic relations have gained remarkable results. Two-way trade increased rapidly from below 10 million USD in 1999 to 324 million USD in 2011. Phong added that the two countries also cooperated in technology, science, culture, security and defence, and supported each other at international forums.