Saudi Arabia has given top priority to strengthening relations with Asia and Vietnam wishes to further boost friendship and co-operative relations with the country. Mr Triet said that the visit will create a foundation for relations between the two countries to enter a new arena. He added that the two countries can further foster co-operation in many fields, especially energy, mining and agriculture. Ministries and departments of the two countries should exchange visits to devise special co-operative programmes.

Minister Ali Ibrahim Al Naimi briefed Mr Triet on the results of talks with the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Vietnam National Oil and Gas Group and said that the talks helped hammer out co-operative measures between the two countries, adding that there remains great potential to boost co-operation. Saudi Arabia is strong in energy and minerals while Vietnam has the advantage of labour resources and agriculture.

President Triet asked Minister Ali to convey an invitation to visit Vietnam to the King of Saudi Arabian, Abullah Bin-Abd-al-Aziz Al Saud.