Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei in a meeting with Vietnamese President Truong Tan Sang , highlighted a host of economic, technical, trade and cultural grounds for the expansion of relations between the two countries, saying: “The courage and resistance of the nation of Vietnam and its prominent figures like [veteran revolutionary leader] ‘Ho Chi Minh’ and [military commander] ‘General [Vo Nguyen] Giap’ against aggression by foreigners have caused your nation to be held in respect and credit in the eyes of the Iranian nation and this veneration and empathy provides a very proper ground for boosting cooperation.”

The Leader of the Islamic Revolution referred to attempts made by dominant world powers to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries, saying: “These interferences have sometimes been carried out through waging wars like the Vietnam War, and sometimes through other methods, and the [best] way to counter such interferences is cooperation and proximity among independent countries.”

Ayatollah Khamenei said the Islamic Republic’s definite policy is based on cooperation with Asian countries, including Vietnam, adding: “We are also aware of your cooperation [with Iran] at international bodies and we believe that we must broaden that cooperation as much as there is possibility and potential.”

During the meeting, which was also attended by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, Mr. Truong Tan Sang, the President of Vietnam, appreciated Ayatollah Khamenei’s remarks in praise of the struggles of the people and leaders of Vietnam against foreign powers, saying: “The people of Vietnam resisted the invasion of foreigners for tens of years until they could achieve independence and freedom.” 

Mr. Truong Tan Sang offered his gratitude for the Islamic Republic of Iran’s support for Vietnam at international bodies, noting: “Vietnam has also supported Iran’s positions at international bodies and it considers the use of peaceful nuclear energy as the definite right of Iran and will continue to support Iran's positions in the future.”

Reiterating the necessity of boosting bilateral cooperation in all fields between Iran and Vietnam, the president of Vietnam added: “We hope that within the framework of its ‘look to the East’ policy, Iran would view Vietnam as a key partner like it did in the past.”