(VOVworld) - A meeting took place in Asuncion the capital of Paraguay on Monday to celebrate 20 years of Vietnam - Paraguay diplomatic ties.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Argentina and Paraguay Nguyen Dinh Thao (R) and Paraguayan Deputy FM Oscar Cabello Sarubbi

Addressing the event, Vietnamese Ambassador to Argentina and Paraguay Nguyen Dinh Thao expressed his pleasure at the strong relationship between the two countries over the past two decades.

Thao emphasized their growing economic cooperation. Trade totaled nearly 100 million USD last year, six times higher than in 2010.

Paraguay’s Deputy Minister of External Relations Oscar Cabello Sarubbi highlighted the similarities between the two nations and expressed his admiration for the Vietnamese people’s heroic efforts in liberating their country.

He spoke highly of Vietnam’s role in the development of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The same day, Ambassador Thao told Paraguay’s Foreign Minister Eladio Loizaga that Vietnam is keen to promote a multifaceted relationship, especially in trade and culture, with Paraguay.

On the occasion, a photo exhibit on Vietnamese handicrafts opened at the Cabildo National Cultural Centre in Asuncion.