Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi received on Monday his Vietnamese counterpart Tran Dai Quang in Cairo and stressed the “special importance” of the visit, which is the first since the establishment diplomatic ties 55 years ago. The leaders discussed international and regional issues of mutual interest, counter-terrorism efforts and touristic and cultural exchange. Sisi praised Vietnam’s regional importance and its outstanding capabilities, thanking Quang for supporting Egypt two years ago in joining the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) established by the founding members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The Egyptian president stated that talks with his Vietnamese counterpart were “fruitful” and focused on strengthening relations and cooperation on political, economic, military and security levels. He announced that both countries were eager to establish stability, security, peace and economic development. For his part, the Vietnamese president said the talks were very successful. He reiterated that both countries have all the necessary qualifications for trade cooperation, pledging to boost bilateral trade exchange. At the talks, the two leaders oversaw the signing of a number of cooperation deals. The Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade and Egyptian Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources signed a memorandum of understanding, as did the ministries of trade and industry.