Vietnam, as an ASEAN member, always supports the bloc’s efforts to intensify close cooperation with the European Union (EU) in all spheres, said head of the National Assembly’s Committee for External Relations Tran Van Hang.

Head of the National Assembly’s Committee for External Relations Tran Van Hang (R) receives EU Ambassador to ASEAN Francisco Fontan Pardo.

At his reception in Hanoi on May 12 for visiting EU Ambassador to ASEAN Francisco Fontan Pardo, Hang affirmed that the EU is currently a leading important partner of Vietnam in numerous fields, particularly trade, investment and development cooperation.

The completion of negotiations on the EU-Vietnam free trade agreement (EVFTA) marked an important milestone bringing the bilateral ties to a new height, he stated.

He also confirmed the Party’s and State’s consistent policy of attaching importance to the relations with the EU, hoping that the two sides maintain close coordination at regional and international forums.

The diplomat, in turn, spoke of Vietnam’s achievements in its national construction and socio-economic development.

He expressed his wish for continued support from Vietnam for the cooperation between the EU and ASEAN, as the country holds an important role in the grouping.

VNA