President Nguyen Xuan Phuc receives Kuwaiti Ambassador Yousef Ashour Al-sabbagh. Photo: VNA

Talking to the Ambassador of Kuwait, President Phuc emphasized that Kuwait is one of Vietnam's leading economic partners in the Middle East. On the basis of the good relationship after 46 years of bilateral diplomatic relations, the President suggested the two countries promote the exchange of delegations at all levels; the implementation of cooperation mechanisms such as the 3rd meeting of the Vietnam-Kuwait Intergovernmental Committee and the 4th Political Consultation between the two Foreign Ministries; and continue to coordinate well at international forums.

The Kuwaiti Ambassador said that Kuwait is the first Gulf country to open a diplomatic mission in Vietnam and it will continue to support Vietnam at global forums and organizations, to provide scholarships to Vietnamese students, and aid Vietnam's socio-economic development, especially in disadvantaged rural areas.

President Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Israeli Ambassador Yaron Mayer. Photo: VNA

Receiving Israeli Ambassador Yaron Mayer, the President emphasized that Vietnam values its cooperation with Israel. He suggested the two sides promote the exchange of delegations at all levels; bolster the signed cooperation mechanisms; strengthen coordination and mutual support at international forums and organizations.

On the basis of last year’s 2 billion USD bilateral trade turnover, an increase of 20% compared to the previous year, President Phuc expected that during his ambassadorial tenure, Mayer will work to raise bilateral trade to 10 billion USD. The two sides need to speed up the negotiation and soon sign the Vietnam-Israel Free Trade Agreement and the Labor Cooperation Agreement, which is the basis for a sharp increase in turnover and foreign direct investment (FDI), he said.

The Israeli Ambassador sincerely affirmed that he will coordinate with Vietnamese authorities to soon push for the signing of the Vietnam-Israel Free Trade Agreement and boost tourism cooperation between the two countries.