Vietnamese Ambassador to Belgium Nguyen Van Thao (left) receives a souvenir from Minister-President of the Government of the Brussels-Capital Region of Belgium Rudi Vervoort. (Photo: VNA)The official made the statement at a meeting with VietnameseAmbassador to Belgium Nguyen Van Thao on March 8 to discuss cooperativeactivities between Vietnam and the capital region in the time to come towardthe celebration of the 50th founding anniversary of Vietnam –Belgium diplomatic relations (1973 – 2023).
Thao expressed his desire to strengthen the Vietnam-Belgium ties toward practical outcomes, considering Brussels an important bridge to foster relations between Vietnam and ASEAN, and the EU.
He also informed the Belgian official on Vietnam’s efforts inresponse to the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change, and in implementing its commitment tosustainable development.
Towards the 50th founding anniversary of the bilateral diplomaticrelations, the Ambassador suggested that the two sides need to effectivelyexploit their available advantages, notably the implementation of the EU-VietnamFree Trade Agreement (EVFTA), and the expansion of cooperation in such potentialfields as smart city development, urban connectivity, transport infrastructure,digital economy, cultural exchange, education, and tourism.
Thao also asked Brussels to help speed up Belgium’sratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).
For his part, Vervoort highly appreciated Vietnam's resultsin fighting the pandemic and impressive economic recovery achievements in thepast year.
He agreed with the diplomat’s proposals for cooperation inthe coming time, stating that he is ready to promote the possibility of establishing relations between Brussels and Hanoi./.
VNA
