HANOI, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Vietnamese President Luong Cuong and Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck on Tuesday encouraged airlines of both countries to consider launching direct flights to promote cultural, religious, tourism and people-to-people exchanges.

The two leaders held here their talks as part of the King's state visit to Vietnam, Vietnam News Agency reported.

They pledged to enhance cooperation in economy, trade and investment, aiming to multiply bilateral trade turnover in the coming years.

Cuong affirmed that Vietnam is ready to facilitate stronger connectivity between Bhutan and Southeast Asian countries. Enditem