Prime Minister welcomes new ambassadors

Cooperation between Vietnam and the European Union (EU) over the past time has brought in practical benefit for both sides.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung made the remark while receiving Ambassador, head of the EU delegation to Vietnam Franz Jessen in Hanoi on Oct. 4.

The Vietnam-EU relations have well developed in all fields and bilateral trade value between the two sides keeps increasing, he added.

Dung asked the diplomat to work closely with Vietnam’s relevant agencies to boost Vietnam-EU multifaceted cooperation, especially in politics, economics, trade, investment and tourism.

He also asked the two sides to speed up FTA negotiations and affirmed that Vietnam supports EU’s efforts to enhance cooperation with the ASEAN.

Ambassador Jessen pledged to do his utmost to boost the Vietnam-EU multifaceted cooperation, especially in politics, economics and trade.

He also expressed his wish that the Vietnamese Government will create favourable conditions for EU investors coming to Vietnam.

Welcoming new French ambassador to Vietnam Jean Noel Poirier the same day, Dung affirmed Vietnam’s consistent policy of, together with France, lifting the two countries’ relations to a new height to match their cooperation potentials.

Vietnam will create favourable conditions for French investors to boost trade and direct investment to Vietnam, he said.

Dung further said that Vietnam wants France to continue providing ODA to Vietnam and that the two sides should strengthen cooperation in education and training, science-technology and culture.

The French Ambassador said he hopes the Vietnamese Government will create conditions for him during his tenure in Vietnam, so that he can contribute to lifting the two countries’ relations to a new height.

NA Chairman wraps up visit to Laos

National Assembly (NA) Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung and his delegation returned home on October 3 after attending the 7th Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership Meeting (ASEP-7).

While staying in Laos, the NA Chief paid a courtesy visit to Lao President Chummaly Saynhasone and congratulated the NA, government and people of Laos on successfully organizing ASEP-7 and hosting the 9th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM 9) scheduled to take place in November.

Mr Hung affirmed the Vietnamese Party, NA and people’s willingness to cooperate and support Laos at multilateral forums for the sake of peace, development and prosperity in the region and the world.

He noted with satisfaction over the fine development of relations between Vietnam and Laos which continue to be expanded far and wide.

During their talks, NA chairman Hung and Lao Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong highlighted 2012 as a special year of great significance to both countries which have launched a wide range of practical activities to mark the constant development of the Vietnam-Laos special friendship.

Vietnam strengthens ties with German state of Hessen

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan and Hessen State Governor Volker Bouffier have signed a memorandum of understanding for cooperation between Vietnam and the western German state.

The MOU, signed in Hanoi on October 4, reaffirmed the ties between Vietnam and Hessen as well as the strategic partnership with Germany in general.

Reviewing recent positive developments in bilateral relationship between both sides, Deputy PM Nhan highlighted cooperation in economics, trade, investment, education and training, law, and culture.

Nhan expressed his delight at the effective operation of German giant groups like Braun Melsungen, Merck, and  Messer Group in Vietnam.

He asked Hessen authorities to encourage business investment in Vietnam while simultaneously ensuring favourable conditions for the Vietnamese enterprises operating in Germany.

Regarding cooperation in education and training, Deputy PM Nhan reaffirmed the Vietnamese Government’s determination to make the Vietnam-Germany University one of the nation’s leading tertiary institutions.

He also asked Hessen state to continue assisting Vietnam to establish an outstanding vocational centre in the northern region to meet the demand for labours of foreign businesses, including those from Germany.

Governor Bouffier said Hessen attaches great importance to its relationship with Vietnam and will spare no effort to promote the strategic partnership.

He promised Hessen will offer its businesses incentives to cooperate with Vietnamese partners on vocational training.

VNN/VOV/VNS/VNA