The European Commission (EC) attaches importance to developing its friendship and cooperation with Viet Nam, President José Manuel Durão Barroso has said.

Meeting with Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong in Ha Noi on August 25, the EC President appreciated Viet Nam’s role as the coordinator of the ASEAN-EU relationship.

EC President Barroso (L) and General Secretary Trong (Photo: VNA)

He also spoke highly of the country’s achievements in minimising impacts of the global economic crisis, curbing inflation, stabilising the macro economy, ensuring social welfares, and increasing its role and status in the region and the world at large.

Barroso informed General Secretary Trong about the situation of the European Union (EU) and the EC, noting that the EU’s efforts to handle the aftermath of the financial crisis and economic downturn have initially seen positive results.

He stated that the EU is closely working with Vietnamese relevant agencies to accelerate the ratification of the Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation (PCA) between the two sides as well as the conclusion of negotiations on a Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

For his part, General Secretary Trong described the EC President’s visit as an important contribution to bilateral ties while highlighting efforts by the EU and Barroso in particular in helping the regional economy regain its momentum.

Appreciating the EU’s strength in workforce training, he expressed his hope for the bloc’s assistance to Viet Nam in building human resources development and management policies.

The Party leader also suggested both sides bolster cooperation in other fields that the EU is strong in and Viet Nam has demand for.

(Source: VNA)