Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (left) receives High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission Federica Mogheriniin, Ha Noi, August 5, 2019

At the reception, Federica Mogherini stressed that the Viet Nam-EU ties have developed strongly in recent years, thereby helping to consolidate the EU’s relations with the ASEAN.

Speaking highly of Viet Nam’s efforts to improve the ties with the EU across the fields of economy, culture, labor and cyber security, she said they provide a good basis for the European Parliament to adopt the agreements.

She highlighted her expectations about the EVFTA and the EVIPA, saying the deals lay the foundations for the two sides to step up bilateral relations in the future.

The EU official hoped the EU will coordinate more effectively with Viet Nam in regional and international issues in 2020 when it shoulders the ASEAN Chairmanship and the non-permanent membership at the UNSC.

In turn, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said Viet Nam will spare no effort to further promote its relations with the European Union (EU).

Mr. Phuc said the bilateral ties have seen positive and strategic advancements in recent time, thus strengthening the EU-ASEAN partnership and making significant contributions to regional peace and stability.

The both sides have effectively carried out a wide range of cooperation mechanisms, including the joint committee under the EU-Viet Nam Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation Framework Agreement (PCA) and the EU-Viet Nam Human Rights Dialogue, he said, adding the sides have implemented the Voluntary Partnership Agreement on Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (VPA/FLEGT).

The PM spoke highly of the signing of the EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the EU-Viet Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) last June, and proposed the European Parliament soon ratify the pacts so that both sides can realise their cooperation opportunities, and affirm their commitments to free trade and investment.

Welcoming the EU’s and Mogherini’s interests in the Southeast Asian region, PM Phuc expected that the EU-ASEAN ties and the Viet Nam-EU cooperation will be further enhanced in 2020 when Viet Nam assumes the role as the ASEAN Chair and a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2020-2021 tenure.

The same day, Chairwoman of the Vietnamese National Assembly Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan also had bilateral meeting with Ms. Federica Mogherini./. VGP

Vien Nhu