Hanoi (VNA) - ꦕPresident Truong Tan Sang welcomed newly-accredited ambassadors from Laos, the Republic of Ghana and the Republic of Macedonia who presented their credentials to the Vietnamese State leader in Hanoi on November 13.

Receiving Lao Ambassador Phonsavan Phomvihane, the President expressed his delight at continuous developments in the Vietnam-Laos special solidarity as well as socio-economic achievements the neighbouring country has recorded over the past time. He congratulated Laos on assuming the ASEAN Chair in 2016 and wished its 10 th National Party Congress in early 2016 a success. President Sang suggested the two countries review their past cooperation and chart another collaboration plan for the next five years, bringing practical benefits to both sides. Ambassador Phonsavan Phomvihane affirmed the Party, State and people of Laos always treasure Vietnam’s great support for the country during the development process. The diplomat voiced his hope for more assistance from Vietnam, especially when the two countries are preparing for their Party Congresses and meetings between the two Political Bureaus and Governments in 2016 – the year Laos plays the role of ASEAN Chair. He pledged to do his utmost to fulfill his tasks, contributing to preserving and enhancing the comprehensive cooperation, friendship and special solidarity between the two countries. At a meeting with Ghana Ambassador Benjamin Clement Eghan, President Sang assured that Vietnam attaches importance to expanding cooperation with Africa, including Ghana. He thanked Ghana for supporting Vietnam to become a member of the UN Economic and Social Council and run for a non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council. Hailing recent developments in economic ties between Vietnam and Ghana, the President proposed the two countries further their collaboration in other spheres like telecommunications and agriculture. The Ghana ambassador said Vietnam is known as a dynamic nation in ASEAN that has completed many UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), noting that Ghana is keen to exchange experience with the country in implementing the MDGs and Sustainable Development Goals. The diplomat suggested the two countries increase people-to-people exchange and encourage their businesses to seek cooperation opportunities. He called on Vietnam to join Ghana’s initiative for the South-South Cooperation Exchange Mechanism, an initiative aimed at strengthening exchange and collaboration between developing countries in the fields of environment and sustainable development. According to the Ambassador, Ghana will establish an honorary consul mechanism in Vietnam in the near future to facilitate the travel and information sharing between the two countries’ businesses. Located in Western Africa, Ghana is a member of the South Atlantic Peace and Cooperation Zone, the Commonwealth and the Economic Community of West African States and an associate member of the International Francophone Organisation. Ghana is also the world’s second largest cacao producer. Welcoming Macedonia Ambassador Ilija Isajlovski, President Sang said the increased exchange of high-ranking delegations is important to promoting multi-faceted cooperation between the two countries. He urged the two countries’ relevant agencies to actively prepare for the upcoming visit to Vietnam by the Macedonia President, saying the trip is expected to usher in a new chapter for bilateral relations. The host suggested both sides review and supplement documents to create a legal framework that facilitates the operation of their enterprises. Ambassador Ilija Isajlovski said Vietnam and Macedonia set up political and diplomatic consultation mechanisms which work as the foundation for them to foster bilateral cooperation, especially in politics and foreign economy. He proposed opening representative mechanisms of the chamber of commerce and industry in the respective countries to promote economic, trade and investment links. Macedonia has granted scholarships to Vietnamese students to bring the two countries closer in the future, he said.-VNA