PM attends summits celebrating 40 years of ASEAN-Canada, ASEAN-EU relations
VGP – Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc attended the Summits commemorating the 40thanniversary of the ASEAN-Canada and ASEAN-EU relations on November 14, within the framework of the 31st ASEAN Summit and related summits in Manila, the Philippines.
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Bringing ASEAN-Canada relations to a new height
The ASEAN-Canada 40th Anniversary Commemorative Summit holds a significant meaning as this is the first time that the two sides have organized a summit during four decades of their bilateral ties (since 1977).
The meeting is considered an important driving force to develop the ASEAN-Canada relationship in a stronger and more substantive manner, especially to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the fields of economics, trade, science-technology, innovation, climate change adaptation, education and the development of small and medium-sized enterprises.
PM Phuc highlighted the significance of the first summit held between the two sides, affirming this as a historic milestone and a motivation to bring ASEAN-Canada cooperation to a new height.
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Elevating ASEAN-EU ties
At the ASEAN-EU 40th Anniversary Commemorative Summit, the ASEAN and EU leaders reviewed the significant outcomes achieved by the two sides since the establishment of their bilateral ties. They spoke highly of the importance of the ASEAN-EU relations to the development of each side, whilst recognizing the EU as the third largest trade partner and the largest investor of ASEAN.
Addressing the summit, PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc highly appreciated the cooperation outcomes reached by both sides over the past few years, especially the adoption of the ASEAN-EU Action Plan for the 2018-2022 period. He expressed his belief that the two sides’ efforts will contribute to elevating the bilateral relations in the time a head.
At the summits, the PM also shared Viet Nam’s viewpoint on regional and international issues of mutual concern, emphasizing Viet Nam’s consistent stance on the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, and re-affirming ASEAN’s stance on the East Sea issue, especially the principles mentioned in the Joint Communique of the 50th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in August 2017.
He also affirmed Viet Nam’s willingness to join ASEAN countries to contribute actively to the joint efforts for peace, stability and development in the region.
By Vien Nhu
