At the meeting, VUFO vice president Tran Trong Khanh said that the relations of friendship and co-operation between Vietnam and Iran have been developing well since the two countries established diplomatic ties 35 years ago. Both countries have exchanged a number of high-level visits to strengthen bilateral relations. In 1994, they established intergovernmental committee on trade and economics and signed a memorandum of understanding to promote trade and economic co-operation.

Accordingly, two-way trade turnover has increased considerably from nearly US$30 million in 2003 to more than US$80 million in 2007. Significant progress has been made in cultural, scientific-technological and tourism cooperation.

Mr Khanh praised Iran’s recent establishment of the Iran-Vietnam Friendship Association and organisation of diverse activities. He said that the VUFO has completed procedures for setting up the Vietnam-Iran Friendship Association. He said he hopes that the two associations will work closely with each other to further promote bilateral relations of friendship and co-operation.

Iran Ambassador to Vietnam Seyed Javad Ghavam Shahidi said that Iranian people follow with keen interest Vietnam’s achievements, especially during the renewal process.