(VOVworld) – Macedonia and Vietnam have advantages in the area of economics, but the bilateral cooperation has yet to match their potential. President Truong Tan Sang made the remarks at a reception for visiting Macedonian Foreign Minister Nikola Poposki in Hanoi on Monday. President Sang thanked Macedonia for supporting Vietnam’s struggle for national liberation, saying that the good relationship in the past provides a firm foundation for the two nations to increase bilateral cooperation in the future. He said he hopes that the Macedonian FM will work with Vietnamese agencies on the early signing of cooperation agreements, paving the way for boosting bilateral economic and trade ties. The two sides should open trade representative offices to create favorable conditions for provincial and municipal authorities and friendship organizations to strengthen mutual understanding, Sang said. The Vietnamese President also asked Macedonia to support for Vietnam’s membership to some UN organizations. Nikola Poposki briefed President Sang on the outcome of the talks with his Vietnamese counterpart Pham Binh Minh, saying that the two sides are preparing to sign some cooperation agreements on culture, economics, education and investment. The Macedonian diplomat praised Vietnam’s investment attractiveness and said that Macedonia is willing to welcome foreign investors, including those from Vietnam.

Earlier the same day, Vietnamese Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh held talks with his Macedonian counterpart Nikola Poposki in Hanoi on Monday. Minister Minh reiterated Vietnam’s unwavering policy of respecting and consolidating the traditional friendship and cooperation with its traditional friends, including Macedonia. Both ministers agreed on measures to further bilateral ties, accelerate the signing of the Agreement on Economic Cooperation, and the Agreement on Trade and Investment Encouragement and Protection, and establish direct relations between the two countries’ businesses. Vietnam confirmed its readiness to help goods from Macedonia penetrate ASEAN countries, while Macedonia will serve as a gateway for Vietnamese products such as rice and coffee to enter the Balkan markets. Both ministers also expressed their hope to work closely together at regional and global forums.