Hanoi (VNA) – President Vo Van Thuong hostedseparate receptions in Hanoi on September 26 for ambassadors of Bulgaria, theEuropean Union (EU) Delegation, France and Kazakhstan who came to present theircredentials.

At the meeting with Bulgarian Ambassador PavlinTodorov, the Vietnamese leader suggested the two countries maintain theirregular exchanges of all-level delegations, localities and residents, thuscreating a firm foundation for the bilateral cooperation.

Pointing to potential for collaboration in economy,trade and investment, Thuong suggested the diplomat accelerate joint programmesand projects, particularly those in energy, high-tech, culture, education andtraining.

The two countries should continue their cooperation andmutual support at international and multilateral forums, he stressed.

For his part, Todorov spoke of the ongoing visit to Bulgariaby National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue, saying it is significant toenhancing the bilateral cooperation in economy, tourism, culture and especiallyeducation.

Bulgaria attaches importance to and will try its bestto effectively implement cooperation documents with Vietnam, he said, notingthat the country is willing to help Vietnam in education and energy.

Vietnam is an important partner of Bulgaria in theAssociation of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and Bulgaria always backs theenhancement of the Vietnam-EU cooperation, and wishes to further itscollaboration with the Southeast Asian nation at the United Nations (UN) andinternational forums, and promote people-to-people and culture exchangesbetween the two countries, the ambassador said.

Meeting with EU Ambassador Julien Guerrier, Thuongreiterated Vietnam’s target of net zero carbon emissions by 2050, and called onthe EU to help Vietnam achieve it.

Guerrier emphasised that Vietnam has a very specialposition both geopolitically and economically in the region, and the EU wantsto continue its support for and cooperation with the country in the future.

Mentioning Vietnam's target of becoming adeveloped nation by 2045, the ambassador said he wishes to contribute to thecountry’s efforts in this regard.

Stressing Vietnam’s advantage as a pioneer in greentransition, digital transformation and innovation, Guerrier said the EU hopesto work together with the country in the fields, and help it complete theabove-said 2050 target.

The EU also wishes to cooperate with Vietnam incultural preservation and promotion, and infrastructure development, he added.

At the reception for French Ambassador Olivier Brochet,Thuong said the Vietnam-France relationship is developing fruitfully in allspheres, especially culture.

The leader appreciated and suggested France maintainits support for ASEAN’s view on ensuring security, safety, and freedom ofnavigation and aviation in the East Sea.

All disputes between relevant sides should be addressedby peaceful measures in line with international law, especially the 1982 UnitedNations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982 UNCLOS), he noted.

Brochet, in response, told the President that Francewill step up its cooperation with Vietnam in science and education, particularlyhigher education, adding it will grant scholarships worth 1.5 million EUR (1.58million USD) to Vietnamese students in the time ahead.

Vietnam is the third country to receive such bigscholarships from France, he stressed.

France also hopes for stronger collaboration with theSoutheast Asian nation within the framework of the Just Energy TransitionPartnership (JETP), he said.

France will host the 19th Francophonie Summit in 2024,the diplomat said, expressing his hope that the Vietnamese President will attendthe event.

The ambassador also conveyed the message from the FrenchPresident to his Vietnamese counterpart, in which the French leader saidFrance, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, will raise its voiceto contribute to ensuring security and safety in the East Sea.

France wants to strengthen with Vietnam in all fields,including national defence, he said.

Receiving Ambassador of Kazakhstan Kanat Tumysh, the Vietnameseleader said Kazakhstan’s appointment of its Deputy Foreign Minister as the ambassadorto Vietnam reflects the importance the country attaches to the Southeast Asiannation.

Thuong asked the diplomat to convey his thanks toKazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev for inviting him to visit Kazakhstan andaccepted the invitation with the greatest in gratitude.

Recalling the Kazakh President’s recent visit toVietnam, Thuong described it as a milestone helping boost the multi-facetedcooperation between the two countries.

Vietnam highly values Kazakhstan’s role in regionaland international forums and will further support the country’s initiative to promotethe Asia-Europe connectivity, as well as cooperation between Kazakhstan andASEAN, the President went on.

The two countries are working to raise the bilateraltrade revenue to 1.5 billion USD, he said, suggesting them forge partnershipsin other areas like culture and people-to-people exchange.

Tumysh said Kazakhstan treasures its relations withVietnam, as reflected through the recent visit by the Kazakh President, adding Kazakhstanwill celebrate 65 years of President Ho Chi Minh’s visit to the country nextyear, and will name one of its avenues after the late Vietnamese President.

Talking about the two-way trade that has hit 700million USD so far this year, the ambassador suggested Vietnam help Kazakh goodsto access the ASEAN market.

He said apart from economic cooperation, he will workto boost the bilateral collaboration in culture./.