Romanian FM: VN is important partner of Romania in Asia, Southeast Asia

Deputy PM, FM Pham Binh Minh (L) and Romanian FM Teodor Melescanu. Photo: MOFA

Romania looks forward to higher trade level with VN

Mr. Teodor Melescanu welcomed and stressed the importance of  Minh’s first visit to Romania, saying the visit would help boost the two nations’ relations extensively and intensively.

The Romanian FM affirmed that Viet Nam has been an important partner of Romania in Asia and the Southeast Asia.

Mr. Minh highly said the bilateral economic, trade and investment ties have advanced, though still modest, it has provided an important prerequisite for further cooperation in the future.

He suggested both sides enhance people-to-people exchanges, including organizing cultural activities and inviting a Romanian art troupe to Viet Nam’s Hue Festival in 2019.

He also asked the Romanian Government to create favorable conditions for the Vietnamese community in Romania to integrate into the host country.

The two pair welcomed positive advancements of the bilateral relationship, especially in politics-diplomacy but noted that economic, trade and investment cooperation is still modest, reaching just US$207 million in 2017 while Romania has only two investment projects in Viet Nam worth US$1.2 million.

They discussed on potential cooperation areas that both sides should beef up, including energy, mineral exploitation, pharmacy, construction materials, wood processing, agriculture, garment and tropical fruits.

The officials agreed to foster cooperation in tourism and science-technology, considering sending Vietnamese skilled workers to work in Romania.

They shared the view that the two countries should continue to work together in film making, organising cultural event and send delegations to attend each other’s festivals.

They also discussed on international and regional issues and the two countries’ coordination at multi-lateral forums, especially at the UN, Francophonie and ASEM.

The officials shared views on the sustainable management of water resources, maintenance of regional and world peace and stability, settlement of disputes by peaceful measures on the basis of international law and United Nations treaties, including the 1982 UN Convention of the Law of the Sea.

As EU Chair in the first 6 months of 2019, Romania will support the relations between Viet Nam and the EU, including the EV FTA,  affirmed Melescanu.

Meanwhile, Deputy PM Minh affirmed that Viet Nam is willing to work as a gateway between Romania and ASEAN and ASEAN member countries.

Following the talks, the two FMs met the press to announce the outcomes of their meeting.

They also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between the diplomatic academies of the two countries.

By Thuy Dung