Hanoi (VNA) – President Tran Dai Quang is paying a state visit toEthiopia from August 23-25, aiming to discuss measures to boost bilateral ties,particularly in economics and trade.

In an interview with Ethiopian press aheadof the visit, President Quang expressed his delight at leading a delegation toEthiopia, saying that it is the first visit by a State leader of Vietnam to theAfrican country since the two set up diplomatic ties in 1976.

Vietnam attaches importance to maintainingits traditional friendship and fostering collaboration with Ethiopia.

However, in recent years, the two countries havenot organised delegation exchanges regularly, and economic and tradecooperation has failed to meet potential.

“During this visit, I will hold talks withPresident Mulatu Teshome and meet Prime Minister Abiy Admed and leaders of theHouse of Federation and the House of Peoples' Representatives to exchange viewson orientations and measures to boost bilateral cooperation, with the focus onstrengthening political trust, stepping up cooperation in economics, trade,investment and agriculture and promoting cultural and people-to-peopleexchanges,” Quang stated.

He added that he will use the occasion tomeet leaders of the African Union (AU) to discuss how to intensify multifacetedcooperation between Vietnam and the AU and its members, and to coordinateeffectively at regional and international forums, especially within theframework of the United Nations, Non-Aligned Movement and South-SouthCooperation.

The Vietnamese leader expressed his beliefthat his visit will push bilateral ties into a new era of development.

He told reporters that economics and tradewill be a main pillar in bilateral cooperation. With each country’s population atabout 100 million, they hold many opportunities to expand exports to eachother’s market.

Vietnam wants to ship farm produce,processed food, footwear, garment and textiles, seafood, electronic products,construction materials and rubber and wood products to Ethiopia.

Several Vietnamese enterprises have investedin Africa, and are considering pouring capital into Ethiopia. Therefore, thetwo countries should carry out preferential policies and help their enterprisespromote trade and investment, Quang suggested.

It is also necessary to have an appropriatepayment mechanism to ensure safety for business transactions, he said,stressing the need to speed up negotiations towards the signing of agreementsto create a legal framework for business and investment activities.

Regarding Vietnam’s relations with Africa,President Quang stated Vietnam has to date established its diplomatic ties with53 out of 55 African countries. Vietnam’s friendship and cooperation withAfrican nations has grown well in many fields.

Vietnam is willing to act as a bridge forthe AU and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), boostcomprehensive collaboration between the two continents and maintain closecoordination at inter-regional and global forums, thus contributing to peace,cooperation, development and prosperity.-VNA