Deputy PM, FM Pham Binh Minh (L) and Filipino FM Albert F. Del Rosario, Milan, October 16 2014 - Photo: VGP |
Both sides also agreed to foster cooperation in building the ASEAN Community by 2015, promoting ASEAN’s solidarity and central role on matters related to peace and security in the region, including the East Sea issue.
Viet Nam already set up strategic partnership with three members of ASEAN, namely Indonesia, Thailand, and Singapore.
Deputy PM, FM Pham Binh Minh and Brge Brende, Milan, Italy, October 16, 2014 - Photo: VGP |
They also agreed to accelerate the free trade agreement talks between Viet Nam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) of Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.
The top Norwegian diplomat said he expects to visit Viet Nam soon, highly valuing the country’s active participation in international organizations.
He affirmed that his country attaches importance to enhancing cooperation with Viet Nam at the United Nations, ASEAN and ASEM./.
By Hai Minh