The Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) wants to maintain and enhance relations with the Communist Party of Greece (KKE), creating an important political base for a bilateral rapport.

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong (R) receives KKE General Secretary Dimitrios Koutsoumpas.

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong made the remark while receiving KKE General Secretary Dimitrios Koutsoumpas in Hanoi on July 11 as part of the guest’s ongoing visit to Vietnam from July 9-15.

He thanked the KKE and Greek people for their valuable support to Vietnam in the cause of national liberation, unification in the past, and in building and safeguarding the Southeast Asian country’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity at present.

The Party chief informed the guest about the outcomes of the 12 th National Party Congress and the election of deputies to the 14 th National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels in 2016-2021.

He reiterated Vietnam’s consistent policy to prioritise relations with traditional friends while expanding ties with important political parties in other countries.

He hailed the KKE’s efforts to maintain its position in the political arena of Greece and Europe, as well as its significant and active role in strengthening solidarity among parties in the international communist and worker movements.

The Party leader suggested the two sides push ahead with specific cooperation to deepen bilateral relations.

He highlighted the KKE’s viewpoint to address disputes in the East Sea , which actively contributes to maintaining peace and security in the region and around the world.

He proposed the KKE persuade the Greek Government and National Assembly to raise an active voice to support the settlement of disputes in the East Sea via peaceful means and in line with international law, especially the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

For his part, Dimitrios Koutsoumpas expressed his pleasure to visit Vietnam for the first time and witness the country’s remarkable socio-economic achievements over 30 years of “Doi Moi” (renewal). He described this as a big support for Greek communists and forces to fight for peace, democracy and socialism around the world.

He added that the KKE attaches much importance to the time-honoured relations and solidarity with the CPV, and hopes to make more contributions to push the bilateral friendship and cooperation forward.

Regarding the East Sea issue, the KEE General Secretary affirmed the significance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each nation, supporting the settlement of any disputes through peaceful methods and in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UNLOS.

VNA