Brussels (VNA) – Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and President of the Chamberof Representatives of Belgium Eliane Tillieux have agreed to promote cooperation and facilitate all-levelvisits between the two legislatures and offer mutual support at regional andglobal inter-parliamentary forums.
During theirmeeting in Brussels on December 15 (local time), PM Chinh suggested the Belgian Federal Parliament soon approve the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), support the European Commission’s early removal of “yellow card” warning on Vietnam’s aquatic products, and assist Vietnam in development research and human resources training.
Tillieux saidEVIPA is a top priority and internal discussions are underway to ratify it, adding that many Belgian investors are keen to expand operations in Vietnam.
Speakinghighly of Vietnam’s efforts to switch to sustainable fishing practices, she agreed with PM Chinh’s proposals to deepen the framework of bilateral strategicpartnership on agriculture, saying that she is interested in sustainableagriculture cooperation and welcomes collaboration to cope with global supplychain disruption and ensure global food security.
The Belgianleader also expressed readiness to enhance coordination with Vietnam in implementing initiativesand global commitments to overcoming climate change challenges.
PM Chinh mentioned the 13,000-strong Vietnamese community in Belgium and asked the Belgian side to continue giving all possible support for them to integrate into the host society and contribute toBelgium’s socio-economic development and cultural diversity.
The host, inreturn, said the Vietnamese community has been the most successful in integration and pledged support for them. She also backed cooperation between Belgian regions and Vietnameselocalities, as well as people-to-people exchanges and cultural activities toraise mutual understanding between the two peoples.
PM Chinh conveyed an invitation to visit Vietnam from National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue to the President of the Belgian Chamber of Representatives/.