Deputy PM holds talks with Nigerian Vice President

Nigerian Vice President Yeni Osinbajo welcomes Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Vương Đình Huệ (left). — VNA/VNS Photo Phi Hùng

HÀ NỘI — Deputy Prime Minister Vương Đình Huệ held talks with Nigerian Vice President Yeni Osinbajo as part of the Vietnamese official’s working visit to the African country from October 29 to 31.

During their talks on Wednesday, the two sides agreed to strengthen the exchange of delegations at all levels and through all channels, thus promoting mutual understanding.
They discussed measures to practically promote trade, agreeing that it is necessary to establish a legal framework favourable for cooperation activities, focusing on promoting the role of commercial committees as well as available mechanisms; enhancing the exchange of business delegations to share market information, trade policies and export-import related regulations of each country.
The Vietnamese side said the country wants to increase trade turnover with Nigeria through exporting cashew nuts, rice, aquatic products, footwear and textiles, and hopes to be supported by the Nigerian government.
Osinbajo said his country wants to enhance cooperation with Việt Nam in agriculture as Nigeria is actively expanding agricultural production and promoting hi-tech application in the sector.
Nigeria is interested in the idea of opening a direct air route between the two countries, he said, suggesting the two sides foster people-to-people exchanges and cooperation in culture, sports and tourism.  
The official affirmed that Nigeria is willing to support Việt Nam to expand relations with member nations of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU), and proposed Việt Nam serve as a bridge to help Nigeria connect with other ASEAN nations.
After their talks, the Vietnamese and Nigerian officials witnessed the signing of a visa exemption agreement for diplomatic passport holders, which aims to facilitate delegation exchanges between the two countries, contributing to fostering bilateral cooperation.
Deputy PM Huệ took the occasion to convey the invitation of Vietnamese Party General Secretary, President Nguyễn Phú Trọng to Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari to visit Việt Nam.
On the same day, he also met with Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nigeria Idris Wase and President of the ECOWAS Jean-Claude Kassi Brou, during which they highlighted the increasing bilateral relations. — VNS