The Prime Minister said there is great potential for bilateral cooperation to increase the existing bilateral trade of 250 million USD. Mr. Phuc called on the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other agencies to work with Vietnam’s representative agency in Ukraine to protect the legitimate rights and  interests of Vietnamese citizens.

(Photo:Thong  Nhat/VNA)

Later the same day, while receiving South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Maite Nkoana Mashabane in Hanoi, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc applauded South Africa’s leading role in Africa’s economies and its influence in international forums. He said the Vietnamese Government and people treasure the traditional friendship and partnership for cooperation and development with South Africa. Prime Minister Phuc suggested Vietnam and South Africa increase two-way trade to 2 billion USD per year and facilitate trade of products of their strength.  He added that Vietnam encourages South African businesses to invest more in Vietnam.