The eventful diplomatic activities in October contributed to spurring strategic partnerships with Asian big countries and opening up prospects for fostering closer ties with European countries.

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and RoK's President Park Geun-hye, Seoul,  October 1, 2014 - Photo: VNA

Boosting strategic partnerships with Asian nations

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong arrived in Seoul on October 1, beginning his four-day state visit to the Republic of Korea (RoK) at the invitation of President Park Geun-hye.

During talks with President of the Republic of Korea (RoK) Park Geun Hye on October 2, both sides stressed the importance of boosting bilateral economic and trade ties for achieving a US$70 billion volume by 2020.

They agreed to direct relevant agencies to continue negotiations for the signing of a memorandum of undestanding on the recruitment of Vietnamese workers in 2014.

Both sides discussed and agreed on major solutions to deepen comprehensively the strategic partnership between the two countries in the future.

The two countries will enhance meetings between high-ranking leaders, improve the effectiveness of the strategic dialogue mechanisms in diplomatics, national defence and security while strengthening the operation of the Inter-Governmental Committee.

Late in the month, PM Nguyen Tan Dung and his spouse paid an official visit to India from October 27-29 at the invitation of Indian PM Narendra Modi.

Viet Nam and India reaffirmed commitments to develop their strategic partnership across the board in the coming time during October 28 talks between the two PMs.

PM Modi reiterated that India considers Viet Nam as an important pillar in its Look East Policy while PM Dung hailed the greater role India is playing in the region and the world.

The two sides were unanimous in major orientations and measures to develop the bilateral ties in a practical and efficient manner, especially in the areas of politics, economics, national defense, security, science and technology.

Both sides agreed to beef up exchanges of delegations at all levels and maintain regular contacts.

Viet Nam and India agreed to raise their two-way trade turnover to US$ 15 billion by 2020.

Also in the month, Deputy PM, FM Pham Binh Minh and Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi on October 27 co-chaired the 7th meeting of the Viet Nam-China Steering Committee for Bilateral Cooperation.

They vowed to strictly realize their high-ranking leaders’ agreements and common perception, consolidate and enhance the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries.

They were unanimous in seriously realizing three documents on Viet Nam-China land border, jointly dealing with emerging issues on border management in a timely manner. Both sides believed that satisfactory settlement of maritime issues is crucial for the bilateral ties.

Meanwhile, Minister Tran Dai Quang on October 26 led a high-ranking delegation of the Ministry of Public Security to visit China and chair a meeting on security cooperation.

Earlier, Minister of National Defense Phung Quang Thanh visited China from October 16-19 to beef up ties on the field between the two countries in the coming time.

Opening prospects for Viet Nam-EU ties

PM Dung on October 12 began his tour to Belgium, the European Union, Germany, and Italy where he attended the 10th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit.

During his official visit to Belgium, PM Dung and his Belgian counterpart Charles Michel agreed to enhance trade cooperation by creating favorable conditions for the two nations’ businesses to promote prioritized areas such as seaports, logistics, transportation, green technology, high technology, aviation and space.

PM Dung and EC President Manuel Barroso were unanimous that the conclusion of the Viet Nam-EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) will give a strong boost to Viet Nam's integration into the global economy.

PM Dung said that the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) and the EVFTA will be important political and economic pillars for the advancement of the relations between Viet Nam and the EU.

Both sides agreed to accelerate the exchange of delegations at all levels in a bid to give an impetus for the bilateral all-round cooperation; coordinate closely in organizing practical activities to mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2015; beef up the progress of joint projects, including the construction of the Metro Line No.2 in Ho Chi Minh City; and create favorable conditions for investment inflows in respective countries.

In Italy, PM Dung said that ASEM should have a global-level development vision and an inter-sectoral, innovative and creative approach to food, water and energy security in the face of more complex and unpredictable climate change.

The Vietnamese leader urged ASEM to effectively coordinate activities and initiatives within the framework of the forum and other mechanisms, with a focus on supporting development gap narrowing, and subregional and regional cooperation of ASEM members, as well as improving the capacity of developing countries.

During cordial conversations, Pope Francis said PM Dung’s visit to the Vatican provides a good opportunity for both sides to enhance mutual understanding, thus strengthening the relations between Viet Nam and the Holy See. The Holy See highly valued Viet Nam’s socio-economic achievements and expressed its appreciation for the country’s religious policies which have brought back numerous outcomes.

Other hallmarks in multilateral and bilateral diplomacy

National Assembly Vice Chairwoman Tong Thi Phong on October 13 partook in the 131st Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland.

In October, Viet Nam welcomed Tanzanian President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete and Vanuatu’s PM Joe Natuman and his spouse on their official visits.  

Deputy PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc paid an official visit to Iran from October 13-15 and visited Japan from October 9-11.

Earlier, Deputy PM Pham Binh Minh on October 1-2 paid an official visit to the US to cement and deepen the bilateral ties in the coming time and strengthen cooperation to mark the 20th anniversary of diplomatic normalization in 2015.

A defence policy dialogue between Viet Nam and the US and the fifth Viet Nam-Japan Strategic Partnership Dialogue were held on October 21 and 24, respectively.

VGP/VNN