He explained that this is the first-ever visit to Vietnam made by an Egyptian President since the two countries established their diplomatic ties in 1963.
The visit also reflects Egypt’s expectations to upgrade the diplomatic ties and enhance their cooperation in all areas, from politics to economy, trade, investment and education, Long said, stressing that the visit is expected to open up a new chapter in their bilateral relationship.
He reviewed the support given by the Egyptian Government and people to Vietnam during the struggle for national independence, as well as the cause of national construction and development, and highlighted the two countries’ mutual support at international forums.
Vietnam and Egypt boast a lot of potential to step up their collaboration, he said, pointing out the similarities in population and development pace shared by the two countries.
However, he said, the outcomes of cooperation in economy, trade and investment have yet to match their potential as two-way trade stood at only 350 million USD in 2016.
Given this, the Egyptian President’s visit is hoped to create a stable foundation and open up further opportunities for the two sides to set up a long-term collaboration in various fields such as trade, investment and culture.
Ambassador Long said that up to 20 documents are expected to be signed during the visit.
He suggested that the two countries create a favourable legal corridor and payment system in order to facilitate the operation of their businesses, while forging partnerships between the two countries’ enterprises through their chambers of commerce and industry and associations of businesspeople, especially those in major cities.
There should be a framework agreement on cultural cooperation between the two countries, he said, adding that the Vietnamese and Egyptian ministries of culture will sign a number of cooperation agreements.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Egypt has called for favourable conditions for cultural exchanges between the two countries’ artists, and suggested enhancing the friendship between their large cities and establishing friendship associations between them.
The embassy has also proposed organising a programme to promote the image of late President Ho Chi Minh in Egypt, where he visited three times, laying the foundation for the bilateral ties, the ambassador said.
He called on the two countries to intensify their affiliation in other realms such as politics, national defence and security and counterterrorism.
