At the talks, President Sang said the visit, which takes place at a time when the two countries are preparing for the 40 th anniversary of diplomatic ties, marks a new development in the traditional friendship and fine cooperation between Viet Nam and Austria.

President Heinz Fischer said that he is pleased to return to Viet Nam after his 1997 visit as the Chairman of the Austrian Parliament, and expressed his admiration for Viet Nam’s impressive socio-economic development achievements.

He said he believed that with the sound guidelines and measures of the current leaders, Viet Nam will overcome temporary economic difficulties and continue to be an attractive destination for foreign investors, including those from Austria.

The two sides agreed to increase the exchange of high-ranking visits and strengthen coordination in organising activities marking the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties in Viet Nam and Austria during 2012.

The two leaders agreed that bilateral economic, trade and investment relations continue to see positive developments, with two-way trade exceeding 630 million USD in 2011, doubling the 2010 figure.

They emphasised the need to create more favourable conditions for the two countries’ businesses to invest in each other’s markets.

The two sides applauded the organising of the Viet Nam-Austria Business Forum in Ho Chi Minh City on this occasion and agreed to srengthen cooperation in such areas as infrastructure, transport, new energy, health and environment.

They also agreed to increase cooperation on education and training, as well as links between the two countries’ universities and training establishments.

President Sang spoke highly of Austria ’s continued ODA provision for Viet Nam, expressing his wish that the Austrian President and government will continue to create favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community in Austria.

The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation at multilateral forums and international organisations, especially the United Nations.

President Sang suggested Austria continue support for Viet Nam to enhance comprehensive cooperation with the European Union (EU). He affirmed that Viet Nam is willing to act as a bridge for Austria to boost relations with ASEAN.

On the occasion, the two sides signed a number of cooperative documents, including memoranda of understanding on cooperation in industry, trade, energy and tourism, and a cooperative agreement between the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber.