PM Nguyen Tan Dung (R) and Belarusian President A. Lukashenko, Minsk, May 17, 2013 – Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

PM Dung briefed President A. Lukashenko about the outcomes of his talks with his Belarusian counterpart Myasnikovich.

The two PMs examined measures to raise and balance bilateral trade, and increase investment in each other’s territories. They agreed to increase the operational efficiency of the Viet Nam-Belarus inter-governmental Committee for Economic, Commercial and Scientific and Technological Cooperation.

They vowed to realise the 2013-2015 economic cooperation plan, support import-export activities, and speed up negotiations of a free trade agreement (FTA) between Viet Nam and the Customs Union of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan.

The Belarus Government decided to provide preferential credits and insurance for import-export activities, and consider lifting several administrative and tax barriers.

The East European nation also agreed to increase the number of scholarships to Vietnamese students.

Dung said the two countries are coordinating well at the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), and other international forums.

He thanked Belarus for supporting Viet Nam to run for a seat in the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2014-2016 term.

PM Dung said he hoped that the two sides would continue to support each other at international forums and organizations.

The guest leader took the occasion to thank Belarusian ministries and agencies for creating favorable conditions for the overseas Vietnamese community to live and work there.

For his part, President A. Lukashenko promised to pay attention to Vietnamese expatriates so they can serve as a bridge for the two countries’ friendship.

PM Dung and his entourage visited the National Library of Belarus and successfully closed their official visit to Belarus./.

By Khanh Phuong