With China making headlines for its growing business moves in Greece, there’s quietly been slowly growing links with Vietnam, including hopes to expand trade, have naval cooperation for maritime security, and exchanges of teachers, scholars and students.

The Viet Nam News noted the countries have signed agreements on economic cooperation, industry and technology, tourism and cultural programs.

In 2018, there were high-level visits seeking Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ph?m Binh Minh visit Greece, with Vice Foreign Minister Terens Quick going to Vietnam in return for the Vi?t Nam-Greece Business forum..

An agreement on visa exemption for diplomatic passports was signed this year to help boost the number of official visits and diplomatic exchanges.

There’s only modest trade so far between the countries but it’s hoped that will increase when the Agreement on Maritime and Double Taxation and EU-Vi?t Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) is negotiated.

Greece is willing to welcome high-level delegations from Vi?t Nam to visit and discuss possible framework of military cooperation, especially in the field of maritime security, the paper said.

Every year, Greece offers scholarships for Vietnamese students in various fields including archaeology, tourism, marine study and the Greek side wants more educational exchanges and plans to offer more scholarships for Vietnamese students to study Greek in Athens.