The European Union (EU) is a top partner of Viet Nam in many fields and the relationship with the bloc holds a strategic and important position in the country’s foreign policy, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said while receiving Ambassador Giorgio Aliberti, Head of the EU Delegation to Viet Nam, in Ha Noi on 10 December.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) receives Ambassador Giorgio Aliberti, Head of the EU Delegation to Vietnam (Photo: VNA)

At the reception for the diplomat on the occasion of the 30^th founding anniversary of Viet Nam – EU ties, the PM highlighted the growing bilateral trade amid global difficulties, saying their mutual understanding has led to effective cooperation.

Aliberti said the 30^th anniversary marks an important milestone in the bilateral collaboration, which, he hoped, to be strengthened in many spheres in the time to come.

Noting that the EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) has created favorable conditions for the two sides to boost their partnership, he suggested the two sides push bilateral trade and Viet Nam increase agro-aquatic product export to the EU market.

The diplomat took the occasion to request the Vietnamese Government tackle obstacles to facilitate European enterprises’ operations in Viet Nam. 

Agreeing with the guest's opinions, PM Phuc said the EVFTA, after coming into force for a short time, has brought immediate effects to both sides, particularly in helping their economic recovery.

As Chair of ASEAN 2020, Viet Nam is pleased with the establishment of the ASEAN-EU strategic partnership and is confident of effective cooperation between the two sides in the future, the PM said.

He lauded the EU’s positive voice in support of respecting international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in the East Sea.

The Government leader thanked the EU for helping Viet Nam fulfill its mission as ASEAN Chair this year and wished for further assistance to Viet Nam as the country is holding a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council for 2020-2021.

PM Phuc also expressed his gratitude to the bloc’s humanitarian aid worth 60,000 EUR for Viet Nam to address drought and saline intrusion in the Mekong Delta as well as support to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic.

Aliberti said EU leaders always treasure and highly evaluate achievements in the EU-Viet Nam relationship.

Source: VNA