EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini (Source: AFP/VNA)Ulan Bator (VNA) – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh met High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini in Ulan Balor, Mongolia on July 14.
The Deputy PM, who is accompanying Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc to attend the 11 th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit in Mongolia from July 15-17, affirmed that Vietnam continually treasures the EU’s position and role and wants to further boost multifaceted cooperation between the two sides.
In such a spirit, the Deputy PM suggested the EU promptly sign and approve the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement as well as effectively realise the Vietnam-EU Partnership and Cooperation Agreement.
He also asked the EU to support Vietnam’s access to the World Bank’s International Development Assistance with a commitment to gradual access reduction that suits Vietnam’s conditions.
Mogherini spoke highly of Vietnam’s role in the region and noted that the EU will continue its foreign policy of valuing the strengthening of ties with Vietnam and ASEAN.
She also expressed thanks to the host’s invitation to visit Vietnam, saying that she will arrive in the country in the future.
On the East Sea issue, both sides underscored the need to maintain peace, stability, and maritime and overflight freedom, safety and security in the East Sea, settle disputes by peaceful means in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, seriously and fully realise the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea, towards the early formulation of a Code of Conduct in the East Sea.-VNA
