Vietnamese Embassy in Türkiye hosts event to mark national day

By Diyar Guldogan

ANKARA (AA) – The Vietnamese Embassy in Türkiye marked the country's 78th independence anniversary on Monday with an event in the capital Ankara.

"On our journey to independence and freedom, the people of Vietnam united in overcoming difficulties and hardships with courage and resilience to safeguard our national independence, freedom and unity.

"We have built Vietnam into a strong country and a democratic, just and advanced society, contributing to the promotion of peace, friendship and progress in the region and the world," Ambassador Do Son Hai said.

Also marking the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and Türkiye, he said the two countries enjoy friendly relations in many areas, including politics and economy.

"Last year, the trade volume between Vietnam and Türkiye reached about $1.6 billion and we are expecting to (reach) the goal of $4 billion in the coming time. Vietnam is one of the biggest trading partner of Türkiye among all members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)," he added.

Attending the reception was Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Burak Akcapar, who said Vietnam is Türkiye's third-largest trade partner among ASEAN countries with $2.3 billion trade volume.

"We remain committed to advancing our economic ties in a more balanced and diversified manner," Akcapar added.

Türkiye is ready to work closely with Vietnam at multilateral platforms as well with a view to contributing to regional and international peace and stability," he said.

"Moreover, in line with our 'Asia Anew Initiative,' which we started in 2019, we aim to give fresh momentum to building stronger ties with each Asian country in a large spectrum of areas. We regard Vietnam as an important partner in the Southeast Asia region," Akcapar stressed.

Diplomatic relations between Türkiye and Vietnam were established in 1978.