The Vietnamese Government has pledged to deepen cooperation with Nigeria in agriculture, digital transformation, trade, investment and cultural exchanges as both countries mark 50 years of diplomatic relations.

Le Hoang, Vietnam’s Ambassador to Nigeria, made the pledge on Saturday in Abuja at a reception to commemorate the 81st National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

Mr Hoang described the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations as a significant milestone in the relationship between both countries.

Nigeria and Vietnam established diplomatic relations on May 25, 1976.

“We believe that the anniversary provides an opportunity for both sides to reflect on their longstanding partnership and identify new areas of cooperation,” he said.

He noted that, in spite of their geographical distance, Nigeria and Vietnam had sustained economic and diplomatic engagement over the decades.

Mr Hoang also said that Nigeria was an important economic partner in Africa, while Vietnam was a growing Southeast Asian economy and a gateway to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) market.

He identified four major areas where both countries could expand cooperation.

According to him, the first area was agriculture and food security, where Vietnam could share experience in high-tech agriculture, rice production, aquaculture, agro-processing and agricultural value chains.

He said the second area was digital transformation and telecommunications, including cooperation in telecommunications infrastructure, innovation, e-commerce and financial technology.

The ambassador also identified trade and investment as the third area, inviting Nigerian businesses to explore opportunities in Vietnam.

He also expressed readiness to facilitate greater interest by Vietnamese companies in the Nigerian market.

Mr Hoang listed people-to-people and cultural exchanges as the fourth area, particularly in education, tourism, sports and the arts.

He said stronger interaction between Nigerians and Vietnamese would promote mutual understanding and provide a broader foundation for bilateral relations.

Mr Hoang further expressed appreciation to the federal government of Nigeria, the ministry of foreign affairs and relevant Nigerian authorities for their support for the Vietnamese Embassy and community in the country.

He said the next phase of Nigeria-Vietnam relations should build on the foundation established over the past five decades while creating new opportunities for governments, businesses and citizens of both countries.

Also speaking, Wakil Babagana, Chief of Party to the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, congratulated Vietnam on its anniversary while underscoring the achievements of both countries over the years.

He also reaffirmed Nigeria’s willingness to broaden its relationship beyond diplomatic ties to stronger economic, technological, agricultural and cultural partnerships.

The event was attended by diplomats, government officials, representatives of international organisations and members of the Vietnamese community in Nigeria.

 (NAN)