Prime Minister holds talks with Qatari counterpart in Doha

The pair was pleasured to witness the progress in the bilateral relations for the last more than 30 years.

As economic and trade cooperation remains modest in comparison the sound political relationship and each nation's potentials, the two sides agreed to define economic, trade and investment cooperation as a key pillar of the bilateral ties.

Specifically, they pledged to work with each other to facilimtate market access for their key commodities such as farm produce, aquatic products, footwear, and apparel of Viet Nam, and energy and chemicals of Qatar.

Prime Minister Pham called on Qatar to support Viet Nam to develop the Halal industry and mull over negotiating on a bilateral free trade agreement between Viet Nam and Qatar, and another between Viet Nam and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in the coming time.

Pham also suggested both sides explore the possibility for negotiating a visa exemption agreement for ordinary passport holders to boost travel between the two countries' people.

Both sides also agreed to work closely to seek investment opportunities in areas of mutual interest.

The Vietnamese Government chief hoped that that Qatari investment funds would further increase investment in Viet Nam in the fields of strategic infrastructure, energy, seaports, agricultural and aquatic product production and processing, among others.

The two leaders also noted that security and defense, including cybersecurity, should become a pillar of bilateral cooperation in the coming time.

They also agreed to expand cooperation in important fields of information technology, digital transformation, green transition, sustainable development, and climate change response.

The two leaders also highlighted the importance of people-to-people exchanges through enhancing cooperation in culture, tourism, and education, thereby strengthening friendship and solidarity, and facilitating the expansion of cooperation in other areas.

Comparing notes on regional and international issues of mutual concern, both sides agreed to cooperate closely at regional and international multilateral mechanisms, such as the United Nations, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The two sides also shared a common vision on resolving disputes by peaceful means in accordance with international law and the United Nations Charter.

Viet Nam backs Qatar's mediation efforts in the Palestine issue to achieve the two-state solution; and wants to coordinate with Qatar in mediation activities in a bid to contribute to the common efforts for maintain peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world, he added./.