SEOUL: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani held a meeting with Prime Minister of Vietnam Nguyen Tan Dung and discussed bilateral relations and both the leaders agreed to expand their ties especially in trade, economic and defence sectors.
The two leaders also discussed the aspects to further promote the ties between the two countries in the meeting which was held on the sidelines of second Nuclear Security Summit.
Prime Minister Gilani said Vietnam occupies a special place in Pakistan's vision East Asia and added that Pakistan accords high priority to relations with Vietnam.
Gilani said Pakistan is glad on the successful holding of the second Pak-Vietnam Joint Ministerial Commission in June 2010 in Islamabad and added that it will help in promoting relations between the two countries.
The Prime Minister said, "We admire the achievements of Vietnam in all fields of life particularly its fast economic development in recent years."
He said the two countries could explore cooperation in the fields of agriculture, pharmaceuticals, fisheries, textile, oil and gas.
Referring to close cooperation in defence sector, the Prime Minister told his counterpart from Vietnam, "We seek to further strengthen our bilateral cooperation in the defence field."
The Prime Minister said there is immense scope for improving the bilateral cooperation in trade as the trade was around dollars 310 million in 2011 that did not reflect the potential that exists between the two countries. He asked Vietnam to sign Free Trade Agreement to boost the bilateral trade.
He thanked Vietnam government for their support to Pakistan's candidature for the United Nations Security Council and the Human Rights Council.
"This reflects the tradition of support that our countries extend to each other's candidature for international organizations and UN agencies," said the Prime Minister.
Referring to the importance of ASEAN, the Prime Minster deeply appreciated the valuable and continuing expression of support by Vietnam in Pakistan's quest for Full Dialogue Partner in ASEAN.
The Prime Minister of Vietnam assured Gilani that he will talk to other members of the ASEAN to motivate them to support for Pakistan's membership. He asked Pakistan to extend its support for the membership of Vietnam in the Human Rights Commission of United Nations.
He also appreciated the efforts and contribution of Pakistan in the fight against terrorism and extremism.
Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar, Pakistan's ambassador to United States Sherry Rehman and other officials were also present in the meeting.