Further strengthen and deepen the cooperation relationship between VN and EU

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh  mets with Head of the delegation of the European Union (EU) to Viet Nam, Ambassador Giorgio Aliberti,in Ha Noi December 9, 2019

At the reception, Ambassador Giorgio Aliberti shared the Deputy PM’s opinion that Viet Nam-EU relations are currently very good, reflected by the signing of several important agreements such as EVFTA, EVIPA, and the framework agreement for Vietnam’s participation in the EU’s crisis management activities (FPA).

The agreements will bring many great opportunities, but also brings challenges in enforcement, requiring close coordination between the two sides, thereby strengthening the bilateral relationship, he said.

In turn, the Deputy PM said that the Viet Nam-EU relations are at a good stage in various areas including politics, trade, investment and defence cooperation.

The EU is the Viet Nam’s third largest trade partner, the largest non-refundable aid provider and the leading investor in Viet Nam which is the basis for the two sides to continue fostering the bilateral relations, Minh said.

The Vietnamese government official suggested that the two sides increase the exchange of delegations at all levels, maintain dialogue and cooperation mechanisms, and closely coordinate with each other at multilateral forums, with the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic ties in 2020.

He affirmed that Vietnam will fully and seriously implement the commitments in the Viet Nam-EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the Viet Nam-EU Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), hoping that the agreements will soon be ratified to bring about practical benefits to people and businesses of both sides.

In addition, the both sides agreed to collaborate closely in 2020, when Viet Nam takes on the role of ASEAN Chair, Non-standing member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2020-2021 term and President of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), contributing to the stability and prosperity of regional and international security structures.

                                                                                                                By Hoang Ha