Hanoi (VNA) – Prime MinisterNguyen Xuan Phuc hosted a reception for Venezuelan Ambassador Jorge RondonUzcategui, who came to say good-bye at the end of his tenure, in Hanoi onNovember 19.

As the first Venezuelan ambassador toVietnam, the diplomat arrived in Vietnam in January 2006 with the mission ofestablishing the embassy of the American country in Vietnam, marking amilestone in the two nations’ ties.

At the reception, the PM expressed hisgratitude to the Venezuelan diplomat for his contributions to the developmentof the Vietnam-Venezuela friendship and comprehensive cooperation over the pastnearly 14 years, about half of the time since the countries set up diplomaticties in December 1989.

Vietnam always attaches importance topromoting cooperation with Venezuela, the leader affirmed.

PM Phuc also voiced his hope that theVenezuelan diplomat, in any capacity, will continue contributing to thebilateral relations.

For his part, the ambassador said thecountries are paying attention to oil and gas and agriculture cooperation,adding that Venezuela will continue to facilitate cooperation projects withVietnam in those fields.

On the occasion, a Friendship Order wasbestowed to the diplomat.

The honour, approved by the President, isgiven to foreign individuals and collectives that have made great contributionsto building, consolidating, and developing the friendship between Vietnam andother countries around the world./.