On the afternoon of November 29, Mr. Nguyen Van Tung, Chairman of the Hai Phong People's Committee, held a meeting with Mr. Ali Akbar Nazari, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Vietnam. The meeting aimed to strengthen friendship and cooperation between Hai Phong and Iranian localities in the future. Representatives of relevant departments, sectors, and units also attended.
Welcoming the Ambassador, Mr. Nguyen Van Tung highlighted that Hai Phong is Vietnam's third-largest city and a major maritime gateway to the world. He noted the similarity between Hai Phong and Bandar Abbas, the central city of Hormozgan Province in Iran, as both possess significant seaports. Iran, with its abundant resources in energy, petrochemicals, and mining, is a major market in the Middle East. Utilizing the geographical advantages of both sides, Hai Phong could serve as a gateway for Iranian goods to reach ASEAN countries, while Iran could act as a bridge for Vietnamese goods to access the Middle East, Central Asia, and Europe.
Mr. Nguyen Van Tung, Chairman of the City People's Committee, Presents a Souvenir to the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Vietnam.
In recent years, trade relations between Hai Phong and Iranian businesses and partners have not fully capitalized on their potential and advantages. Therefore, the Chairman expressed his hope that the Ambassador, in his role as a bridge, would promote Hai Phong’s image to the people, investors, and businesses of Iran. He specifically highlighted key development areas of the city, including seaports, logistics, and tourism.
The Iranian Ambassador proposed strengthening seaport cooperation between Hai Phong and Bandar Abbas, potentially leading to a memorandum of understanding to foster broader cooperation in various fields. On this note, Mr. Nguyen Van Tung invited the leadership of Bandar Abbas to visit Hai Phong to explore specific cooperation opportunities. He tasked the Department of Foreign Affairs with coordinating and implementing the next steps. He also suggested that both sides explore the possibility of opening a direct flight route between Iran and Hai Phong to enhance cooperation, delegation exchanges, and people-to-people connections.
Mr. Nguyen Van Tung, Chairman of the City People's Committee, Alongside Leaders of the Department of Foreign Affairs, the City People's Committee Office, and the Delegation of the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Vietnam.
The Iranian Ambassador expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and praised Hai Phong’s strategic advantages in trade and socio-economic development. He was particularly impressed by the city’s robust growth in recent years. The Ambassador emphasized the broad potential for cooperation with Hai Phong in various fields. He confirmed that Hai Phong remains a top priority for investment collaboration among Iranian localities. Initially, both sides should continue to strengthen local cooperation and delegation exchanges to better understand each other and facilitate specific cooperative programs. Priority areas include seaports, shipbuilding, trade promotion, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people connections, all aimed at fostering bilateral cooperation and mutual development.