Vietnam and Liechtenstein established diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level on July 2 with a view to boosting their friendship and co-operation.

Empowered by the two countries’ governments, Vietnamese Ambassador to Switzerland Nguyen Ngoc Son and his Liechtenstein counterpart, Hubert Buchel, signed a joint communiqué to this effect on the same day.

Talking with a Vietnam News Agency correspondent in Berne, Buchel said this was an important diplomatic event of Liechtenstein, noting that it will further strengthen and develop existing friendly and co-operative ties, particularly in the field of economy, between Liechtenstein and Vietnam.

The ambassador said as a small nation, Liechtenstein is in need of friends from all parts of the world and has to date set up diplomatic relations with 89 countries.

Located in Western Europe, the world’s smallest German-speaking country has an area of 160 sq.km and a population of more than 35,000 (2007). Its gross domestic product (GDP) is estimated at US$825 million per annum with per capita income of US$25,000. (VNA)