Vietnam continuously values its relationship with Venezuela andwishes to further enhance the bilateral wide-ranging partnership,especially in the fields of economics, investment and culture,Ambassador to Venezuela Ngo Tien Dung said.

Addressing a ceremony to mark the 25 th anniversary of theVietnamese-Venezuelan diplomatic ties in Caracas on November 4, henoted that the two countries have enjoyed expanding relations withregular visits of both leaders.

Vietnam andVenezuela share the same revolutionary ideals and desire for socialismwhilst helping each other through a number of hardships, he reiterated.

Meanwhile, the two sides have also supported eachother at multilateral fora, contributing to the maintenance of peace,stability and progress in Asia, Latin America and the world, he said.

Venezuelan Deputy Minister Xoan Noya reviewed thebilateral ties between the two countries in the past, highlighting theincreased solidarity and friendship between the two sides underPresident Hugo Chavez’s leadership.

On the basis ofsound political relations, the two countries promoted their cooperationon a number of issues, including oil and gas, energy, agriculture, urbandevelopment, and social housing, he noted.

Venezuela considers Vietnam an important ally in Asia and a gateway for connections with ASEAN, he stated.

As part of the celebrations of the 25 th anniversary of bilateraldiplomatic ties, the Vietnamese Embassy also launched the VietnameseCulture Week in Venezuela, comprising a number of activities, including aphotography exhibition, art performances and an international fair onVietnam’s fine tailoring skills.-VNA