VietNamNet Bridge – Vietnam is willing to cooperate and speed up negotiations for signing the Free Trade Agreement with the European Union to help further develop bilateral relations.

EU-Vietnam: Fostering opportunities in times of crisis
Chairman of the National Assembly Nguyen Sinh Hung emphasized this while receiving David O’Sullivan, the Chief Operating Officer of the European External Action Service, in Hanoi on February 29.

The chief legislator reaffirmed that Vietnam respects ties with the EU and proposed both sides sign the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) in order to foster cooperation in all fields, including science, social affairs, culture, education, health care, environmental protection, and national defence and security.

Mr O’Sullivan congratulated Mr Hung on his recent visit to the European Parliament (EP), saying it greatly contributed to boosting EU-Vietnam ties in various fields.

He expressed his delight at the development of bilateral trade ties and said the EU has enormous potential for increasing investment in Vietnam. The EU official also affirmed that Vietnam is the EU’s strategic partner in the Asia-Pacific region, as well as in ASEAN.

Mr O’Sullivan said the year 2012 is favourable for the EU and Vietnam to conclude their PCA negotiations and open negotiations for the FTA to improve cooperation efficiency.

On the occasion, NA chairman Hung sent his best wishes to EP President Jerzy Buzek and invited him to visit Vietnam in the future.  

VietNamNet/VOV