Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc praised Austrian Ambassador Thomas Loidl for his contribution to Vietnam-Austria relations during a reception in Hanoi on September 7. The ambassador came to bid farewell at the end of his tenure in Vietnam.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) and Austrian Ambassador Thomas Loidl 

PM Phuc said the Vietnam – Austria cooperative ties have seen active growth in multiple fields, including politics – diplomacy, trade, investment, development cooperation, education – training, health care, culture, and others.

He expressed his hope that the two side boost delegation exchange at all levels, and suggested the two Foreign Ministries jointly organise practical activities to mark the 45th anniversary of the diplomatic ties between the two countries (December 1).

Phuc also underlined the huge cooperation potential between the two nations, saying that Vietnam wants Austria to push the European Union to sign and ratify the EU – Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) soon to open up new opportunities for the two nations’ firms.

PM Phuc also took the occasion to extend thanks to the Government of Austria for its official development assistance (ODA) for Vietnam, particularly in railway, health care, vocational training, noting that projects using Austria’s ODA have been effectively carried out in Vietnam, particularly in the remote and far-flung areas, contributing to improving the living condition of residents.

For his part, the Austrian Ambassador said the Government of Austria always gives priority to promoting economic cooperation, trade and investment with Vietnam.

Many Austrian firms want to pour long-term investment in the country, particularly in health care sector, he said, adding that the two nations have also seen fruitful cooperation in science-technology, culture, and people-to-people exchange.

The Austrian Government will continue providing ODA to Vietnam in the future and help the country implement ODA projects in an effective manner.

The Ambassador affirmed that he will continue to help foster the two countries’ relations.

VNA