Hanoi (VNA) – 🌌State President Luong Cuong hosted a January 8 reception for Togo’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Integration and Togolese Abroad Robert Dussey, who began his three-day official visit to Vietnam on the same day.

The State leader said the visit is meaningful in strengthening the Vietnam-Togo friendship and multifaceted cooperation, particularly given the upcoming celebration of the 50th anniversary of the countries’ diplomatic relations (February 8, 1975 – 2025). Vietnam is committed to deepening ties with African countries, including Togo, Cuong stated. Acknowledging the positive developments in bilateral relations over the past five decades, he pointed out that the cooperation remains modest and falls short of the potential both nations possess. To address this, the President recommended several measures to deepen bilateral ties, including enhancing high-level exchanges and delegation visits to reinforce political trust and create a solid foundation for joint work. It is also necessary to strengthen collaboration and mutual support at multilateral forums and organisations, such as the United Nations, Non-Aligned Movement, International Organisation of La Francophone, and African Union, he added. Cuong said Vietnam and Togo need to prioritise economic collaboration, particularly in trade, investment, agriculture, mining, and telecommunications. He encouraged Togo to share information about investment opportunities and offer favourable policies for Vietnamese businesses. Vietnam, he added, is ready to collaborate with Togo in agricultural projects involving technology transfer, knowledge sharing, and sending experts. Dussey conveyed New Year greetings and an invitation from Togolese President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé to President Cuong to visit Togo at a suitable time. The Vietnamese leader reciprocated the invitation by asking his guest to convey his regards and an invitation to the Togolese counterpart to visit Vietnam at an appropriate time. The Togolese minister told his host that Vietnam and Togo share a vision in fostering national development and social stability as well as improving citizens' lives. Togo admires and supports Vietnam, considering the country one of its top priority partners in Asia, he affirmed, adding Togo wishes to learn from Vietnam’s development experience and to enhance bilateral cooperation across various sectors. Noting that his current trip is to advance ties in economy, trade, agriculture, and seaport development, he pledged to actively coordinate with Vietnamese ministries and agencies to promote joint work in the time to come./.