Vietnam regards Tunisia as a priority partner in North Africa

Tunisia is one of Vietnam’s priority partners in North Africa, said State President Nguyen Minh Triet during talks with President Zein al-Abidin Ben Ali in Tunis on April 12.

They held their talks following a welcome ceremony at the Carthage Palace the same day.

Mr Triet said that Vietnam always attaches great importance to developing its relationship with Tunisia and his visit represents an important landmark in relations between the two countries.

Mr Triet briefed the Tunisian President on the socio-economic situation in Vietnam and praised the achievements Tunisian people have recorded during their process of national construction and development.

For his part, President Zeine said that the first ever visit to Tunisia by a Vietnamese Head of State since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1972 is of historic significance and ushers in a new chapter in multifaceted cooperation between Vietnam and Tunisia.

Mr Zeine spoke highly of Vietnam’s efforts to survive the negative impact of the global economic downturn, remain a dynamic economy and an attractive investment destination in Asia-Pacific.  Tunisia considers Vietnam one of the most important countries in Southeast Asia, he noted.

The two leaders discussed ways of expanding bilateral cooperation in the oil and gas industry, trade, agriculture and tourism and some international issues of common concern. They agreed to promote exchange visits by senior delegations and sign agreements as soon as possible to create a legal framework for long-term cooperation and to facilitate investment and trade between the two countries.

In addition, leaders from Vietnam’s ministries and different sectors also met with their Tunisian counterparts to discuss measures to boost bilateral cooperation in every field in line with the potential and situation in each country.

Following the talks, Mr Triet attended the Vietnam-Tunisia business forum where he said the outcomes of his talks with the Tunisian President will open up an excellent opportunity for both countries to speed up economic, trade and investment cooperation.

Both countries should continue to cooperate more closely for mutual development. Economic ties are currently not as advanced as political relations as two-way trade turnover reached less than US$16 million in 2009. Consequently, businesses should further strengthen cooperation and economic links. Vietnam will do its best to improve the investment environment to attract Tunisian businesses, Mr Triet stressed.

Later in the day, the Tunisian President hosted a banquet in honour of Mr Triet and his delegation.