President Luong warmly welcomed President Obasanjo, who holds the rotating Presidency of the African Union (AU), describing his visit as a vivid example of the traditional friendship and positive cooperation between the two countries.

Luong also praised the role played by the Nigerian people, especially the active contributions by President Obasanjo, in solving disputes and maintaining peace and stability in Africa as well as strengthening the AU and speeding up the implementation of the "New Partnership for African Development" initiative.

For his part, President Obasanjo expressed his admiration of the Vietnamese people's struggle for national independence and freedom in the past as well as their present national construction. Viet Nam has set up a bright example for developing countries, particularly those in Africa, said President Obasanjo. He also said the Vietnamese people played an important part in the region, the Non-aligned Movement and the world.

The Nigerian President expressed his wish for stronger cooperation with Viet Nam, with a focus on economy and trade.

President Luong briefed his guest of Viet Nam's socio-economic development and achievements in the industrialisation and modernisation process.

Regarding Viet Nam's foreign policy, President Luong stressed that Viet Nam believes it is important to strengthen and develop relations with traditional friends in Asia, Africa and Latin America. The ties with Africa in general and Nigeria in particular are significant in Viet Nam's foreign policy.

President Luong thanked Presidient Obasanjo for the support which he and the Nigerian people offered the Vietnamese people in their past struggle for national independence and the present national construction. He said that as Viet Nam and Nigeria are developing countries, members of the Non-Aligned Movement, and have many similarities, so they can assist and cooperate with each other.

Both host and guest were satisfied with the fine development of the bilateral relations and agreed that the two sides should take concrete measures to boost their cooperation in economy, trade and other areas to meet the interests and aspirations of their people.

The two sides exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern and agreed to coordinate at international forums.

President Obasanjo invited President Luong to visit Nigeria. President Luong accepted the invitation with thanks. The time for the visit will be arranged through diplomatic channels.

The talks took place in a friendly atmosphere of mutual-understanding.

Among those present at the event were Deputy Prime Minister Vu Khoan, Foreign Minister Nguyen Dy Nien, Chairman of the Presidential Office Nguyen Van Chien and other senior Vietnamese officials.

On the Nigerian side were the Governors of the Enugu and Kawara states and many ministers and senior officials.