Chairman Trong applauded President Abbas' visit to Viet Nam, expressing his belief that the visit would contribute to consolidating and enhancing the time-honoured friendship between the two nations.

Trong stressed that Viet Nam consistently supports the just struggle of the Palestinian people for their fundamental national rights.

He believed that despite their difficulties, the Palestinian people with their spirit of solidarity and determination would certainly prove victorious in successfully building an independent State of Palestine, contributing to peace and stability of the Middle East.

He affirmed that Viet Nam was always willing to boost the friendly and co-operative ties with Palestine.

For his part, Mahmoud Abbas, who is also Chairman of the executive committee of the Palestine Liberation Organisation, expressed his admiration and praised the achievements that the Vietnamese people had recorded in their past struggle for national liberation and the current period of national construction and defence.

Abbas noted the efforts made by the Palestinian people in building a peaceful, independent and strong nation through peaceful talks based on a respect for United Nations' resolutions. He hoped to receive the sympathy and support of the international community.

Palestine and Viet Nam used the meeting as an opportunity to sign a range of important agreements, creating the foundation for the establishment of closer ties between the two sides, he said.

Abbas said that Palestine would send delegations to Viet Nam to promote exchanges in business, investment, culture and art. He also called on Palestinian companies to conduct market research and exploit business opportunities in Viet Nam. — VNS