13 May, Minsk /Tatyana Polezhay - BELTA/. Belarus and Vietnam, despite their geographical remoteness, have all the opportunities and prerequisites for serious progress in their relations. This was stated by the President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko today at a meeting in an expanded format with the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Nguyen Minh Triet, BELTA correspondent reports. Alexander Lukashenko stressed that for Belarus, Vietnam is a key partner and a kind of bridgehead for developing the Southeast Asian region. He invited the Vietnamese side to more actively use Belarus's opportunities for penetrating the markets of the CIS countries, Eastern and Central Europe. "We attach great importance to the development of relations with Vietnam as an influential state and an active member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations," said the Belarusian leader. Recalling his visit to Vietnam in April 2008, the President of Belarus reminded that the desire of the two countries to work together to strengthen bilateral ties was clearly demonstrated at that time. He also added that Belarusian-Vietnamese partnership is legally enshrined in dozens of international treaties. The countries adhere to common approaches to the formation of a just multipolar world order based on the observance of generally recognized norms of international law. According to the head of the Belarusian state, Belarus and Vietnam have similar models of socio-economic development, the effectiveness of which is confirmed by the development rates of the two countries. "A high level of mutual trust and respect has become a solid foundation on which we are building the economic component of our relations," said the Belarusian leader. Alexander Lukashenko expressed confidence that during the visit and the upcoming business forum, substantive negotiations will take place, which will allow for the intensification of trade and economic cooperation between the countries and bring it to a qualitatively new level. "I hope that your visit to Belarus will contribute to the dynamic growth of our contacts in all areas," noted the President of Belarus, addressing the guest. He also assured Nguyen Minh Triet that the leadership of Belarus will provide maximum assistance to all efforts to achieve common goals. -0-

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