Party General Secretary Nong Duc Manh affirmed that Viet Nam will always be grateful for the Nigerian people's support for its struggle for national independence and national construction and defence. The Vietnamese party chief said he desired to see closer relations between Viet Nam and Nigeria, their two governing parties, and Viet Nam and other traditional friends in Africa.

Prime Minister Phan Van Khai affirmed that Viet Nam considers Nigeria and other African countries as close friends. PM Khai said he agreed with the Nigerian President on the point that the two countries need to boost the exchange of visits between the two governments and businesses as well to further bilateral cooperation in trade and investment.

The Vietnamese Government leader suggested that the two countries should establish an intergovernmental committee to help with the expansion of cooperation.

He told the guest that Viet Nam is willing to send experts in agriculture and fisheries to help Nigeria.

In talking with Party General Secretary Manh, Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo spoke highly of the Communist Party of Viet Nam's clear-sighted and creative leadership and its lines in leading the country to great achievements in the building and renewal process.

He said Viet Nam sets an example for developing countries, and is a source of encouragement for the movement for national independence.

The Nigerian President emphasised that his country has given priority to strengthening and bolstering the friendship and all-around cooperation with Viet Nam as well as the ties between the governing parties of the two countries.

He invited Party General Secretary Manh to visit Nigeria and the invitation was accepted with thanks.

While meeting with PM Khai, the Nigerian leader thanked Viet Nam for opening a trade representative office in Nigeria. He noted that his country wants to learn about the development of small and medium-sized enterprises in Viet Nam and cooperate with the country in the oil and gas industry alongside agriculture./.