VietNamNet Bridge – Luxembourg supports the EU's recognition of Vietnam’s market-based economy, says Deputy Prime Minister cum Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn.

During his June 26 talks with Vietnamese Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh, Asselborn said Minh’s visit marks a milestone in the development of Luxembourg-Vietnam relations, especially when both sides are preparing to celebrate the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

He said Luxembourg will continue assisting Vietnam to foster comprehensive cooperation with the EU.

For his part, FM Minh said he is pleased to visit Luxembourg for the first time since he took up his post as a foreign minister and reaffirmed Vietnam’s policy of strengthening traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation with the European country.

Vietnam is willing to help Luxembourg tighten ties with Southeast Asian nations, Minh said.

Both ministers agreed on the need to create favourable conditions for businesses of the two countries to cooperate and invest in finance and banking, insurance, heavy industry, transportation, and tourism, as well as in science-technology, environmental protection, sustainable development, health care, information and communications, and cultural exchange.

The focus, they said, will be on implementing projects within the framework of the Vietnam-Luxembourg Indicative Cooperation Programme for the 2011-2015 to improve health care, education and vocational training, and rural development in disadvantaged areas.

Minister Minh asked the Luxembourg Foreign Ministry to encourage universities and research institutes to promote the exchange of researchers and students with Vietnamese partners and support Vietnam in teaching French, international relations, and international laws.

Both diplomats said Vietnam and Luxembourg will soon negotiate visa exemption for their diplomatic passport holders.

VietNamNet/VOV