Vietnamese Ambassador here Dao Thanh Chung expressed on Thursday his country's support of Egypt's bid for a non-permanent seat in the African group of the United Nations, bringing to 80 the number of countries that have shown support to the Egypt bid.

Chung told MENA that Vietnam considers Egypt's move an important one, especially as the two countries share identical views towards a number of issues and towards boosting bilateral cooperation.

He termed as strong and distinguished relations between Egypt and Vietnam, saying Egypt was the first Arab country to set up diplomatic relations with Vietnam and that his country views Egypt as a strong ally in the Middle East.

He said Vietnam really considers the new Suez Canal Egypt's gift to the world.

If won, this will be the first time Egypt is elected as a non-permanent member in the UN.

Source: MENA