They said that the two sides should make detailed plans for the upcoming third session of the Vietnam-Hungary Inter-Government Committee due to take place in Budapest in December 2009, and activities to mark the 60^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties in 2010.

Mr Dung and Mr Gordon shared the view that although bilateral trade and investment ties have grown and flourished in recent years, they have yet to match both countries’ potential. The leaders agreed to give priority to boosting trade and investment cooperation to increase two-way trade annually.

To do this, they pledged to examine the implementation of signed agreements to lay a complete legal foundation for bilateral cooperation in various areas. They also agreed to create favourable conditions for their businesses to meet and explore investment opportunities in each other’s markets.

Both host and guest held that the signing of a number of cooperation documents during the visit, including those on finance, migration, consular and nationality-related affairs, energy and nuclear research will help foster Vietnam-Hungary relations in the near future. 

High-level talks between Vietnam and Hungary in Budapest

Mr Dung thanked the Hungarian government and people for providing assistance to Vietnamese people in the past struggle for national independence and liberation and in the current process of national construction. He expressed his hope that the Hungarian government will continue to support Vietnamese nationals in integrating well into the local community, acting as a bridge between the two countries.

For his part, PM Gordon spoke highly of solutions the Vietnamese government has introduced to weather the global financial storm. He said that Hungary wants to promote all-round cooperation with Vietnam, especially in economics, trade and investment. He expressed his hope that Vietnam will help Hungary to develop ties with other countries in Southeast Asia.

He affirmed that Hungary considers Vietnam a priority partner in its development aid policy and that his government will soon consider providing non-refundable aid to address environmental problems in Vietnam. He voiced his support for recognising Vietnam’s market economy status and opposed the imposition of anti-dumping tariffs on Vietnamese leather capped shoes imported into the European Union.

The two leaders exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual concern, as well as the close cooperation in bilateral and multilateral forums.

Mr Dung invited Mr Gordon to visit Vietnam and the invitation was accepted with pleasure. The visit will be arranged through diplomatic channels.