The Vietnamese State leader proposed the Hellenic Parliament support the policy to forge bilateral cooperation between Greece and Vietnam, especially in trade, investment, culture and education.

“Vietnam and Greece have many opportunities for economic cooperation and trade and investment exchange,” Mr Triet said.

However, he noted, bilateral trade and investment cooperation remained modest and is not commensurate with the two countries’ potential.

President Triet suggested both sides enhance bilateral ties and facilitate meetings and market research by the two countries’ businesses.

He also asked the two parliaments to exchange their delegations’ visits to share legislative and supervision experiences and to promote mutual understanding between the two peoples.

Speaker Sioufas warmly welcomed the first Vietnamese State President visit to Greece since the two countries established diplomatic ties more than 30 years ago (April 15, 1975).

He said he believes President Triet’s visit will add fresh impetus to bringing the two countries’ relationship to a new level.

The same day, President Triet also met with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Greece Aleka Papariga, Minister of Development Chritolos Folias and Panhellenic Socialist Movement leader George Papandreou.

The Vietnamese State leader also laid a wreath at the Unknown Martyrs Monument in Athens.