The Angolan Embassy in Vietnam on November 11 held a ceremony to mark the 40 th anniversaries of National Day of Angola (November 11, 1975) and diplomatic ties between the two countries (November 12).

Addressing the ceremony, Angolan Ambassador Joao Manuel Bernardo said since 1975, Vietnam and Angola signed 16 cooperation agreements, including an agreement on visa exemption for diplomatic and service/official passport holders and another on social security and order.

Bilateral trade reached 116 million USD in 2014, he said, adding that Angola mainly imports rice, garments-textiles, fertilisers, footwear and machinery from Vietnam while shipping to Vietnam gas, iron ore, cotton and materials for cattle feed.

The Angolan Government regards Vietnam as a strategic partner during the process of production diversification and economic development, the diplomat stressed.

He noted his hope that the two countries will support each other in running for seats at international organisations and the UN, and exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual concern.

On behalf of the Vietnamese Government, Minister of Education and Training Pham Vu Luan praised the impressive achievements the Angolan people have recorded under the leadership of the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola .

Highlighting remarkable progresses in the multifaceted cooperation between the Vietnam and Angola, the minister said the two Governments have paid attention to the exchange of high-ranking delegations.

The 40,000-strong Vietnamese community in Angola and the increasing number of Angolan citizens in Vietnam have mirrored the effective cooperation between the two countries.

Luan voiced his hope that the relationship between Vietnam and Angola will be enhanced in the time ahead, meeting aspirations an interests of the two countries’ people.

VNA