National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan and Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Ardeshir Larijani in Hanoi, April 16, 2018.

During talks with Mr. Ali Ardeshir Larijani following a welcome ceremony in Hanoi on Monday, Chairwoman Ngan called for close coordination to help lift two-way trade to 2 billion USD within the next five years. She asked Iran to create favourable conditions for Viettel group to take part in telecom projects in the country.

Mr. Larijani said he believed that the two countries will achieve the trade target, adding that Iran can assist Vietnam in the oil and gas sector, and wants to learn from Vietnam’s experience in agriculture. The Iranian leader also suggested boosting ties in pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, bank connectivity, tourism-culture, film, television, and in the exchange of lecturers and students. He proposed launching direct flight services between Vietnam and Iran. 

Both sides agreed to enhance the exchange of all-level visits and coordinate more closely at global and regional forums, including the Inter-Parliamentary Union. Ms. Ngan said Vietnam aims to settle disputes in the East Sea by peaceful means, in line with international law including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Mr. Larijani said Iran supported diplomatic solutions to any disputes.