There is room for Vietnam and Venezuela to beef up theireconomic and trade ties for the benefit of both countries, stated DeputyForeign Minister Ha Kim Ngoc.

During the fifthpolitical consultation between the two Foreign Ministries in Hanoi onMarch 10, Ngoc affirmed that Vietnam continually focused on furtheringthe multi-dimensional partnership with Venezuela .

During the consultation, the two sides agreed that the third meetingof the Vietnam-Venezuela Inter-Governmental Meeting in Hanoi fromMarch 9-11 presents a good chance to review and complete cooperationmechanisms while seeking ways to boost the bilateral comprehensivepartnership.

The meeting will also discuss measuresto expand collaboration in other areas, including energy, oil & gas,agro-forestry, manufacturing and food production, they concurred.

Venezuelan Deputy Minister Xoan Pablo Noya thanked Vietnam forsupporting the late President Hugo Chavez as well as the currentgovernment led by President Nicolas Maduro.

He lauded Vietnam ’s achievements during its reform process over the past three decades.

Both sides also discussed regional and international issues of mutualconcern and agreed to support the principle of settling sovereigntydisputes through peaceful measures in line with international law.

They pledged to continue their close coordination at the UnitedNations, Non-Aligned Movement and Forum for East Asia-Latin AmericaCooperation as well as other multilateral and international organisationforums-VNA