Vietnam and South Africa have agreed to beef up their friendly relations and comprehensive cooperation, especially on politics, economy, science, technology, culture, and education, Vietnamese State President Nguyen Minh Triet said Thursday.

After their talks on Thursday, Triet and his visiting South African counterpart Thabo Mbeki witnessed the signing of a joint statement between the two countries, and three other documents on the Vietnam-South Africa partnership forum, visa exemption for people holding diplomatic and service passports, and cooperation between the two foreign ministries.

The two countries will seek measures to boost their cooperation in all fields, and sign more cooperation documents on some issues they have agreed, Triet said at a press briefing after the talks.

Vietnam can share experiences with South Africa in poverty reduction, and South Africa can help his country more deeply integrate into the world economy, and develop science, technology and education.

Mbeki, arriving in Vietnam Wednesday for his three-day visit to country, said the two sides should take practical and concrete measures to strengthen their fine cooperation.

South Africa supports Vietnam's bid for non-permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council for the 2008- 2009 term, and recognizes the country's market economy status, he said.

Source: Xinhua