Hanoi (VNA) - Azerbaijani Ambassador to Vietnam Shovgi Kamal Oglu Mehdizade has expressed his hope that the upcoming state visit to Azerbaijan by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee To Lam will mark a new chapter in strengthening the relations between the two countries.

Speaking to the press, Ambassador Mehdizade emphasised the historical value of the visit as this will be the first by a Party General Secretary of Vietnam to Azerbaijan since the establishment of diplomatic relations, and that it features a robust agenda aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation.

Highlighting key areas of collaboration, the ambassador pointed out that education and energy, particularly the oil and gas sector, have long served as cornerstones of the traditional partnership between the two nations, alongside cultural exchange. He noted that going forward, businesses from both sides will undertake joint projects in renewable and green energy, a sector to which Azerbaijan attaches great importance.

In the near future, businesses of both countries will implement joint projects in the fields of renewable energy and green energy, the diplomat told the press.

The two countries are currently working closely on the implementation of 14 initiatives and joint declarations, and the development of joint projects in green energy and digital transformation, critical fields for infrastructure and transport systems.

Azerbaijan has also proposed Vietnam’s participation in the Central Corridor, one of the key transport routes between Asia and Europe. This initiative, being implemented by Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and China, has seen progress with the formation of a railway route linking Kazakhstan and Vietnam via China, a practical opportunity for Vietnam to engage in this corridor.

Mehdizade expressed optimism that the high-level meetings in Baku will strengthen cooperation in tourism, education, IT, transportation, manufacturing, joint ventures, agriculture, and environment, among other spheres.

He stressed that young people should be at the heart of these efforts and called for enhanced cooperation in education.

As Vietnam now boasts many internationally ranked universities, he hoped that Azerbaijani students would be invited to study in Vietnam, underscoring that education should remain a top priority in bilateral collaboration.

He also highlighted the potential of tourism and culinary exchange, calling for support of all related initiatives. A direct air route between the two countries could become a reality in the future, he suggested.

On transport connectivity, the ambassador welcomed the opening of a Hanoi office by Azerbaijan’s Silkway Airlines and announced that the company will soon operate direct cargo flights between Hanoi and Baku.

He expressed hope that passenger flights will follow, noting the rising travel demand between the two nations and neighboring countries.

Mehdizade also voiced Azerbaijan’s strong hope that Vietnam will soon open its embassy in Baku./.