(VNA): Vietnam and the Dominican Republic officially established diplomatic ties at a ceremony held in the Dominican Republic's capital city of Santo Domingo on July 7.

The ceremony was attended by Foreign Minister of the Dominican Republic Morales Troncoso and Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Vu Dung, who is visiting the Dominican Republic.

Speaking at the event, FM Troncoso affirmed the Dominican Republic's support for Vietnam's bid to become a WTO member.

He expressed hope to increase bilateral co-operation with Vietnam in a wide range of areas, particularly agriculture and information technology.

On this occasion, Deputy Foreign Minister Vu Dung met with Minister of Industry and Commerce Javier Garcia to discuss measures to promote bilateral trade ties, create investment opportunities for businesses and establish trade offices.

On the same day, the Vietnamese diplomat was received by President of the Dominican Republic Leonel Fernandez.