Chairman of the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City Phan Van Mai (R) and Consul General of Belarus in Ho Chi Minh City Ruslan Varankov. (Photo: https://www.sggp.org.vn/)

During the meeting, Chairman Mai expressed the belief that the opening of the Belarusian Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City will contribute to fostering cooperation between the two countries and their localities, affirming that the municipal authorities will create favourable conditions for the mission's operation.

He suggested the two countries strengthen cooperation in terms of trade, investment, culture, education and tourism, which he said will be a foundation for further developing Vietnam-Belarus relations in general and between Ho Chi Minh City and Belarusian localities in particular.

Regarding the Belarusian Prime Minister's visit to Vietnam slated for late this year, Chairman Mai said Ho Chi Minh will be honoured to welcome the Belarusian leader.

Regarding the cooperative relationship between Ho Chi Minh City and Minsk city of Belarus, the official proposed that the two sides select specific items to carry out in the framework of the cooperation programme between the two localities in the 2020-2025 period.

For his part, Varankov affirmed that his country considers Vietnam one of its important partners in the region, and wishes to develop a strategic partnership with the Southeast Asian nation.

The opening of the Belarusian Consulate General in the Vietnamese southern hub is a testament to the importance of cooperation with Vietnam, particularly in the context of the two countries celebrating the 30th anniversary of their diplomatic ties, he noted.

The diplomat also suggested the two sides early discuss cooperation programmes in public transport and infrastructure construction.