Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) and Chairman of the European Parliament’s Committee on International Trade Bernd Lange (Photo: VNA)Hanoi (VNA) – PrimeMinister Nguyen Xuan Phuc hosted a reception in Hanoi on October 31 for Chairman of the European Parliament (EP)’s Committee on International Trade BerndLange.
The PM thanked Lange for hisefforts to push for the European Union’s signing of Vietnam – EU Free TradeAgreement (EVFTA) and the Vietnam – EU Investment Protection Agreement (IPA).
As both sides will celebratethe 30th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties next year, Vietnamand the EU need to increase the exchange of high-level visits, maintaindialogue and cooperation mechanisms, as well as promptly solve existingproblems in bilateral ties, PM Phuc said.
The Vietnamese PM hailed the strategic economic significanceof the EVFTA and IPA to Vietnam – EU ties as well as the promotion of open,transparent and rules-based economic connectivity.
He believed that the Vietnamese NA and the EP will approvethe agreements at the earliest time possible.
The leader welcomed the EU’s interest in Asia-Pacific and itsstance on supporting freedom, security and maritime safety in the East Sea,wishing that the EU would continue playing an active and constructive role inthe region.
He also hoped that the EU – ASEAN ties, and Vietnam – EUties within multilateral framework will continue to be strengthened,contributing to peace and prosperity in the region and the world.
Lange affirmed that the EU supports Vietnam’s stance on theEast Sea issue, adding that with the signing of important agreements on tradeand investment, the development of ties based on partnership instead ofcompetition is extremely important in the context of a constantly changingworld with numerous risks.
He said the EP will consider voting to ratify the two agreementsin next February, and informed that in this visit, his delegation had metVietnamese authorities to discuss the ratification and delivery of commitmentsin those deals.
The guest affirmed that the EU is ready to help Vietnam buildand perfect policies in order to propel growth and improve people’s livingconditions.
The EU wants to work closely with Vietnam at multilateralforums, especially in 2020 when Vietnam serves as ASEAN Chair and anon-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2020 – 2021 tenure, hesaid. /.
VNA
