Friday, February 20, 2009

VIETNAM-NIGERIAN TRADES BILATERAL RELATIONS HIGHLIGHTS SERIES (2)

Vietnam-Nigeria Joint Statement

At the invitation of Vietnamese President Tran Duc Luong, Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo paid an official visit to Vietnam from April 17-18.

During his stay in Vietnam, President Obasanjo and his entourage were warmly welcomed by Vietnamese leaders and people. President Obasanjo met with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nong Duc Manh, held talks with President Tran Duc Luong, met Prime Minister Phan Van Khai and visited General Vo Nguyen Giap. He laid a wreath at the Monument of Fallen Soldiers, paid a floral tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum, and visited the Institute for Agricultural Scientific Research and several economic and cultural establishments in Ha Noi.
During their talks, President Luong and President Obasanjo exchanged information on their experiences in the political, social and economic fields in their own countries. The two sides agreed that the two countries have many similarities and therefore they can assist each other. They also agreed that their potential for co-operation are great.

President Luong extolled the achievements obtained by the Nigerian people in their national construction and development, and the renovation programmes and efforts for democracy in Nigeria.

President Obasanjo expressed his admiration of Vietnam's brave struggle for national independence in the past and the important results of the renovation process obtained by the Vietnamese people.

The two sides were satisfied with the results of the visit. Reviewing the progress of the diplomatic ties over nearly three decades, the two leaders were delighted to see the bilateral relations are developing to a new height for the interests of both countries. They agreed to encourage investment and technical co-operation. On this issue, they instructed their officials to negotiate soon to reach agreements in the fields of agriculture, forestry, underground water exploitation and irrigation work, infrastructure, economy and trade, science and technology, environment, health care, culture and others.

The Nigerian President lauded Vietnam for successfully organising the "Vietnam - Africa: Co-operation and Development Opportunities in the 21st Century" forum in Hanoi in May 2003, describing it as reflective of Vietnam's desire to boost relations with Africa.

The two sides reaffirmed their attachment to the Asia-Africa partnership, which is regarded as part of the South-South Co-operation. They applauded the Asian and African leaders' decision to sign a joint declaration at the upcoming Asia - Africa Summit in Bandung, Indonesia.

President Luong spoke highly of the establishment of the African Union, of which President Obasanjo is Chairman, and the approval of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD).

Regarding international affairs, the two Presidents held that Vietnam and Nigeria have common interest security defence. They, therefore, agreed to co-ordinate with other countries which have the same viewpoint to ensure a judicious and humane international, political and economic order. They shared the same view that the regions and the world should make more efforts to resolve problems such as poverty, slow development, and diseases.

The two Presidents supported the proposal to expand the United Nations Security Council in order to make the group more representative and democratic.
President Obasanjo thanked President Luong and Vietnamese officials and people for their warm welcome. He invited President Luong to visit Nigeria and President Luong accepted his invitation with thanks.

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Mr Pham Van Cong,The Head of Mission and Commercial Counsellor of Vietnam Trade Office in Nigeria,Mr Okoye O. Pius - Ceo, Piskoye Nig. Ltd, Mr Kingsley Chikezie,Sec. Gen., Importers Association of Nigeria And other members at a One day Importers Forum In Lagos.

Cross Section of Attendees Including Mr Pham Van Cong, Mr Okoye O. Pius at a One day Importers Forum organized by CBN's, Technical Committee on the Comprehensive Import supervision Scheme (CISS) in Lagos Nigeria