Ireland to open Vietnamese embassy

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern today confirmed Ireland is to open an Embassy in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Ireland will also develop a programme of development cooperation involving Vietnam following a meeting between Mr Ahern and the Prime Minister of Vietnam, Phan Van Khai.

The Taoiseach is attending the fifth Asia-Europe Summit (ASEM V) which is taking place in Hanoi, Vietnam.

ASEM is the Summit of European and Asian countries and is attended by leaders from Asian nations, the European Union member states and the President of the European Commission.

The Summit covers political dialogue, economic cooperation, social, cultural and environmental issues.