ISLAMABAD, March 24: Pakistan and Vietnam agreed on Wednesday to bolster bilateral trade and economic cooperation to the mutual benefit of both countries.

President General Pervez Musharraf and his Vietnamese counterpart Tran Duc Luong told newsmen after their official talks that they have identified areas of mutuality and commonality to further commercial and trade ties.

The visiting leader also informed President Pervez Musharraf that Vietnam would open up its diplomatic mission in Islamabad in near future. Welcoming the step, President Musharraf expressed the hope that the Vietnamese mission in Islamabad would prove to be a stepping stone in boosting economic relations between the two countries.

"Pakistan looks forward to enhancing economic cooperation with Vietnam through increased interaction," Gen Musharraf said. Reciprocating President Musharraf's views, Mr Luong said Vietnam considers Pakistan a very important country in South Asia and is all for tapping the economic potential between the two countries.

"We in South East Asia believe that there is a great scope for close relations with Pakistan, it is our strong desire that the bilateral ties are further developed."

He said direct contacts between the two countries would bring enormous benefits to both sides. The two sides also exchanged views on regional and international issues of common concern to both countries. A delegation of businessmen is also accompanying the visiting leader for exploring business opportunities between the two countries. -APP