During his online talks with German Chancellor AngelaMerkel, PM Chinh congratulated Germany on its achievements in controlling COVID-19 and praised the European country’s contribution as one of the biggest sponsors for the COVAX initiative.
PM Chinh extended thanks to the authorities and people ofa number of German states for their donations of one million rapid test kits tothe Vietnamese government.
He affirmed that Vietnam always attaches importance to and wishes to deepen the close and trusting relations with Germany across all spheres.
The German Government leader said Vietnam is an important partner in Germany’s policy towards the region. She spoke highly of the bilateral cooperation and emphasised that the two countries have substantial opportunities and great prospects.
The two sides agreed to work together to soon resume the exchange of high-ranking delegations and meetings, and consolidate existing cooperation mechanisms, including the Vietnam-Germany Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation.
The leaders pledged to collaborate closely in order to fully tap opportunities brought about by the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA). They also concurred to speed up joint projects inpriority areas, notably climate change and sustainable development.
PM Chinh asked the German government to facilitate Vietnam's export of seafood and agriculture products to Germany, especially seasonal fruit, and urge the EC to soon remove its “yellow card” warning on Vietnamese fisheries.
In this regard, Merkel said the EVIPA is an important momentum for the bilateral ties, economically and strategically, and stressed that German firms pay great attention to Vietnam, especially in renewable energy, infrastructure and manufacturing.
Regarding the East Sea issues, they shared the viewthat ensuring freedom of navigation and aviation, security and peace in thewaters, and upholding the rule of law are the common interests of theinternational community.
They agreed to urge relevant parties to fully andseriously observe the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea(DOC), and work towards a substantive and effective Code of Conduct in the EastSea (COC), in line with international law and the 1982 United NationsConvention on the Law of the Sea (1982 UNCLOS).
PM Chinh took the occasion to invite Merkel to visitVietnam, and the German leader accepted the invitation with pleasure./.