Hanoi (VNA) – Turkish Prime Minister BinaliYildirim, who is in an official visit to Vietnam from August 22-24 at theinvitation of PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc, has granted the Vietnam News Agency aninterview.

Binali Yildirim emphasized that he is the first TurkishPrime Minister to visit Vietnam since the two countries established theirdiplomatic ties in 1978.

He noted the visit “is late but is a good start” for morehigh-level visits between the sides in the coming time, which would contributeto the improvement of Vietnam – Turkey relations.

The PM said Vietnam and his countries “have comparativeadvantages to do fruitful things together”.

According to him, Turkey is located between Europe and Asia,while Vietnam is a member of the ASEAN. Both nations have relative largepopulations and rapid economic growth.

The target to increase bilateral trade to 4 billion USD by2020, which is now less than 2 billion USD, is achievable, he stressed, addinghis delight at strong investment between the sides across many fields.

The official said daily flights from Istanbul to Hanoi andHo Chi Minh City have facilitated traveling between Vietnam and Turkey andrecommended that easing the visa regime could help the activities thrive.

Concerning measures Turkey would take to enhance trade withVietnam, Binali Yildirim said his country is ready to start negotiating a freetrade agreement and has already decided upon double taxation avoidance andtrade facilitation with Vietnam.

The PM said investors from Turkey are eyeing the Vietnamesesectors of infrastructure, tourism, renewable energy, tourism, textiles,mining, and ship-building.

Many Turkish businesses operating in Vietnam said they arehappy with the investment climate and appreciate assistance from the localGovernment, he added.

Talking about the importance of Vietnam in Turkey’s foreigndiplomacy, he said the countries are working together in various bilateral andinternational areas.

He stated Turkey supports Vietnam’s bid for a non-permanentseat in the UN Security Council in 2020-2021, and asked Vietnam to back hiscountry’s effort to become a member of UNESCO'S executive board for 2017 –2021.

He also pointed to education as an important cooperativesphere, saying Turkey is willing to offer scholarships for Vietnamese studentsand take part in student exchange programmes.

The PM said during his trip so far, he has been impressedwith the sincerity and hospitality of Vietnamese people and strong will ofVietnamese leaders in boosting bilateral ties.

He noted Vietnam and Turkey will jointly celebrate their 40founding anniversary of diplomatic relations next year.

He congratulated Vietnam on her celebration of the 72nd anniversary of National Day (September 2) with a belief that the youngergenerations would inherit and sustain achievements Vietnam had obtained underthe leadership of the late President Ho Chi Minh. -VNA