Trade promotion and tourism cooperation should be prioritised betweenVietnam and Turkey , said a seminar in Hanoi on April 5.

The seminar, jointly held by the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciencesand the Centre of Strategic Research under the Turkish Embassy, marksthe 35 th anniversary of the two countries’ bilateral diplomatic ties.

Associate Prof. Dr . Do Duc Dinh, a senior expertof the Research Institute of Africa and the Middle East, said it is timefor Vietnam to pay attention to and give priority to expandingcooperation with Turkey, which is expected to become a trustworthypartner and a bridge to help Vietnam further ties with countries inWestern Asia, Africa and Europe.

The solution is to start negotiating a free trade agreement with the country as soon as possible, he said.

Vietnam-Turkey ties have seen rapid, practical and effectivedevelopment since 1997, when the two countries inked a bilateral tradeagreement.

The same year, Turkey opened its embassyin Hanoi and six years later, the Vietnamese Embassy officiallycommenced operations in Ankara , Turkey ’s capital.

Since then, Vietnam has considered Turkey as one of its leadingpartners, proven by the fact that the country is now Vietnam ’s largesttrade partner in Western Asia .

Cooperation in investment, tourism, labour and strategic dialogue has also enjoyed remarkable outcomes.

With a special strategic and geographical location in both Asia andEurope, and a proactive foreign policy that is adjusted to suit the newsituation, Turkey has proven its significant role in both regions andits capacity to balance relations between developed countries in Europe,America and developing nations.

The new movesoffer both opportunities and challenges in the efforts to develop thecomprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Turkey.-VNA