Deputy PM calls for EU’s continued ODA provision for VN

Photo: VGP

Politburo member Minh made the remark during his talks with visiting High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission (EC), Federica Mogherini, in Ha Noi on August 5.

He highly appreciated the EU’s role in international security and peace issues as well as the bloc’s stance on maintaining stability and ensuring respect for international law in the region and in the East Sea, especially in the context that unilateral actions have increased tensions, eroded trust and infringed the interests and sovereignty of countries, triggered serious serious concerns among the regional and international public opinion.

The deputy PM proposed that the EU promptly remove the “yellow card” to Viet Nam’s fishery product exports to the EU.

For her part, Federica Mogherini affirmed the EU’s consistent stance of supporting maritime and aviation freedom, the peaceful handling of disputes and the respect of international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The recent militarization and tensions have negatively impacted peace and stability in the region, she stated, expecting ASEAN and China to soon achieve a legally binding Code of Conduct (COC).

During the talks, the two sides spoke highly of cooperation between Viet Nam and the EU, especially the recent signing of the Viet Nam-EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).

They agreed to continue promoting Viet Nam-EU relations in a more extensive and dynamic fashion, commensurate with the potential and better meeting the interests of both sides, especially when the two sides celebrate the 30th anniversary of Viet Nam-EU diplomatic ties next year (1990-2020).

The leaders reached a consensus on enhancing bilateral exchanges at all levels and effectively implementing cooperation mechanisms, including continuing the work of the EU-Viet Nam Joint Committee for the implementation of the EU-Viet Nam Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation (PCA) after its first meeting in May 2019.

The two sides also discussed other regional and international issues of mutual concerns, while welcoming and agreeing on the need to strengthen coordination at multilateral forums, particularly in 2020 when Viet Nam serves as the Chair of ASEAN and a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2020-2021 term, aiming to promote multilateral cooperation and ASEAN-EU cooperation, as well as strengthen contributions to peace, cooperation and development in the two regions and the world.

                                                                                                                   By Vien Nhu