Vietnam and Nigeria should promote bilateral cooperation, particularly in economics and trade, after the COVID-19 pandemic is brought under control, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has said.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) receives outgoing
Nigerian Ambassador Francis Young Efeduma in Hanoi 

Boasting of large populations in Asia and Africa, both Vietnam and Nigeria can step up economic connectivity, contributing to prosperity in each nation, Phuc told outgoing Nigerian Ambassador Francis Young Efeduma in Hanoi on July 28.

He spoke highly of the Nigerian diplomat’s past working term in Vietnam, during which he noted the ties of friendship and cooperation between the two countries have developed considerably. He expressed his hope Efeduma and his successor will make more contributions to the development of bilateral ties.

As ASEAN Chair, Vietnam will make all-out efforts for peace, stability and prosperity in the region and the world, he pledged.

The PM extended his sympathy over difficulties faced by Nigeria, especially the impact of the pandemic, and said Vietnam has offered medical supplies to Nigeria to help the country contain the disease.

For his part, Efeduma said Nigeria has planned to send enterprises to Vietnam to study business opportunities and enhance economic and trade relations with the Southeast Asian country. However, the plan has been postponed due to COVID-19.

Echoing PM Phuc’s view, the ambassador said he believes that the bilateral economic and trade cooperation, especially in agriculture, will grows even stronger once the pandemic is put under control.

Nigeria is also ready to implement tourism cooperation projects with Vietnam next year as Vietnam has beautiful sites and many Nigerians want to visit the country, he added.

The ambassador congratulated Vietnam on its successful ASEAN Chairmanship, which has contributed to regional peace, stability and development. He also thanked the Vietnamese Government and people for assisting Nigeria with medical supplies in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.