Viet Nam and Iran signed an agreement yesterday in Tehran on the co-ordination of administrative affairs in customs.

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Iran's Vice President Mohammad Shariatmadari witnessed the signing of the documents at the end of a meeting held during Phuc's three-day visit to the Western Asian country. The trip will conclude today.

During the talks, the two countries agreed to visit each other more, and enhance co-operation on the economy, trade, science and technology. They also agreed to continue to support each other at international and multilateral forums, such as the Non-Aligned Movement and the UN. Another aim Phuc and Shariatmadari discussed was to increase bilateral trade to US$500 million.

The two sides also signed agreements on education, research, technology and double taxation avoidance.

Phuc asked the Iranian Government to facilitate the export of Vietnamese agricultural and consumer products. He pledged to create favourable conditions for Iranian businesses to expand operations in Viet Nam.

Shariatmadari asked Viet Nam to help accelerate the signing of a Treaty of Amity and Co-operation between Iran and ASEAN.

On Monday, Phuc held a meeting with Iran's Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif. They agreed to work together in multiple arenas.

Zarif said Iran treasured its relationship with Viet Nam and hoped trade bottlenecks would be alleviated soon.

He also held a workshop with the Vietnamese Embassy's staff.

VNS/VNN