The meeting was the first in aseries of activities to celebrate the 25th anniversary of diplomaticties between Vietnam and the EU (1990-2015).
Addressing theevent, Deputy Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son highlighted positivedevelopment in bilateral cooperation between Vietnam and the EU overthe past 25 years, as well as partnership between Vietnam and eachEU member countries.
He lauded the effective coordination andsupport that the EU and its members have given to Vietnam during thecountry’s development and international integration process.
The diplomat also thanked the EU diplomats for their contributions to the growth of Vietnam-EU ties.
Son expressed his belief that with the diplomats’ coordination,Vietnam and the EU will finalise work for 2015, including theratification of a partnership and comprehensive cooperation frameworkagreement (PCA) and the signing of a Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement(EVFTA) as well as EU’s recognition of Vietnam ’s market economicstatus.
On the occasion, he also expressed sympathy to familiesof victims of the Charlie Hebdo terror attack in Paris on January 7,affirming that Vietnam hopes to work with the EU to ensure peace,security, stability and development in the region and the world.
On his part, Ambassador Franz Jessen hailed socio-economicachievements that Vietnam has made, as well as the sound relationsbetween Vietnam and the EU over the past years.
The EU always attaches much importance to cooperation with Vietnamas one of important partners in the Asia-Pacific region, and is keen toboosting the ties, especially after the two sides reach the PCA andEVFTA.
Meanwhile, Hoang Van Dung, VCCI Vice Directorstated that the chamber is ready to work for closer connectivity withministries, sectors and businesses of both sides, contributing to thedevelopment of trade and economic collaboration between Vietnam and theEU.-VNA