Vietnam values diplomatic relations with Iran and is willing to exchange more high-ranking political and parliamentary delegations, the leader of the South Asian country says.
Vietnam's President Truong Tan Sang made the remark in a farewell meeting with Hossein Alvandi Behineh, outgoing ambassador in Hanoi, on Tuesday, IRNA reported.
Appreciating the Iranian envoy's efforts, the president called for promotion of bilateral cooperation in various areas.
He pointed to the 42-year-long Tehran-Hanoi diplomatic ties and said Hanoi welcomes any steps to develop the already strong relationship.
According to Truong Tan Sang, the July 14 nuclear agreement between Iran and the P5+1, namely China, France, Russia, Britain and the United States plus Germany, has created a unique opportunity for Iran to be more actively involved in regional and international collaboration.
"The two states should support each other at regional and international organizations," he said, stressing that Vietnam is keen on improved relations between Iran and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, known as ASEAN.
Trade between the two countries saw a drastic rise between 2003 and 2009, experiencing an over fivefold growth in exchanging goods. In other words, the figure increased from $30 million in 2003 to $165 million in 2009.
In 2011, the value of transactions reached $316 million; furthermore, plans have been made to raise the figure to $2 billion.
Expressing gratitude to the Vietnamese leader, Alvandi stated that the nuclear deal with the six major powers, endorsed by the international community, has opened new vistas for expansion of relations with the East and the West.
"There is enormous untapped economic potential in Iran which can be identified and exploited by Vietnam's private sector," he added.
On the prospect of increased cooperation with East Asia, Alvandi noted, "Iran is interested in strengthening business ties with ASEAN."
President Hassan Rouhani has approved the nomination of Saleh Adibi by Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif as new ambassador to Vietnam.
Adibi is a university lecturer and is a renowned intellectual in Kordestan Province.
