•  Armenian President to visit Vietnam

The visit is one of the important events to mark the 20^th anniversary of Vietnam-Armenia diplomatic ties.

Over the past years, Vietnam and Armenia have maintained the traditional friendship and political relationship through the regular exchange of visits at all levels.

The recent events included the meeting between former President Nguyen Minh Triet and Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan on the sidelines of the 65^th anniversary of the victory over Fascism in Moscow in 2010 and the visit to Vietnam by Armenian Minister of Foreign Affairs Edward Nalbandian in February 2012. During his mission, the Armenian diplomat praised Vietnam’s role and prestige in the region and expressed the hope that Vietnam would support his country in expanding relations with Southeast Asian nations.

Bilateral cooperation has developed steadily in recent times but trade exchange is still far from matching the two countries’ potential.

Two-way trade turnover reached nearly US$21 million in 2010 of which Vietnam imported US$14.9 million and exported more than US$5.1 million worth of goods. Last year’s bilateral trade exchange hit US$7.4 million. Armenia mainly imports from Vietnam telephones and components, steel products, agricultural products, seafood, garments and textiles while exporting machineries, spare parts, cotton, wood furniture and plastic materials to the country.

The Armenian President’s current visit to Vietnam aims to strengthen multifaceted cooperation between the two countries, especially in economic, trade and other potential areas for mutual benefits.

International and regional issues of common concern will be also discussed on this occasion.