(VNA): Vietnam's first ever permanent Ambassador to Turkey Nguyen Sy Xung on April 6 presented his credentials to Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer.

The Turkish President has spoken highly of Vietnam's position and role in the Asian - Pacific region, as well as the country's contributions to international and regional forums such as the ASEAN and APEC.

President Sezer also expressed his pleasure at the remarkable progress of Vietnam - Turkey co-operation.

He said Turkey and Vietnam should accelerate negotiations to sign some an agreement on avoidance of double taxation and an agreement on investment encouragement and protection, to create a legal foundation for boosting bilateral trade ties.

The Vietnamese Ambassador briefed the host about Vietnam's socio-economic achievements in the renovation process. He affirmed the country's foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, openness, diversification, multilateralisation and willingness to be a reliable friend and partner of all countries.

While highlighting new progresses in the Vietnam-Turkey relationships, the ambassador noted that bilateral trade does not match the two countries' potentials and desires. He proposed that the two sides take new  initiatives to boost comprehensive co-operation between Vietnam and Turkey in the future.

He said Vietnam is willing to serve as a link between Turkey and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).