At a reception for new Turkish ambassador Ahmed Akif Oktay in Hanoi on September 24, Deputy PM Hai expressed hope that the Turkish diplomat in his mission will positively contribute to strengthening the ties of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

Mr Hai praised Turkey’s raising status in the region and affirmed Vietnam’s wish to have long-term and effective cooperation with Turkey.

There is plenty of investment opportunity for the two countries to lift bilateral trade turnover from US$852 million in 2011 to US$1 billion in 2012, he said.

So, both sides need to closely cooperate and further support each other at regional and international forums, Mr Hai said.

He said Vietnam wants Turkey to support its candidacy as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2020-2021 term, the UN Human Rights Council for the 2014-2016 term and the UN Economic and Social Council for the 2016-2018 term.

For his part, ambassador Akif Oktay said he will do all he can to boost cooperation between the two countries in various fields, particularly in organizing trade fairs and exhibitions and opening a direct Vietnam-Turkey air route.

He said he hopes the Vietnamese government will create favourable conditions for the two countries’ partners to cooperate within the framework of cooperation between Turkey, ASEAN and Asia.