Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh (Photo: VNA)Madrid (VNA) – Vietnam always treasures relations with theEuropean Union (EU), and is willing to discuss with the bloc issues of mutualconcern, said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham BinhMinh on December 15.
He made the statement while meeting with EU High Representative for ForeignAffairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission JosepBorrell on the sidelines of the 14th ASEM Foreign Ministers’ Meetingin Madrid, Spain.
The Vietnamese Deputy PM asked the EU to push for the European Parliament’sapproval of the EU – Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the EU – VietnamInvestment Protection Agreement (IPA), so as to bring benefits to businessesand citizens of both sides.
Borrell, for his part, recalled his fine impression of the Vietnamese peopleand land, remarking that as Vietnam is one of the fastest-growing and most dynamiceconomies in Asia, both sides have huge potential to develop multi-facetedcooperation in the fields of politics, security, defence, economy, culture, andpeacekeeping activities, among others.
Both sides expressed their delight over the comprehensive development of theVietnam – EU relations. Vietnam and the EU have mechanisms for regularexchanges in various sectors, and inked many important agreements, laying legalfoundation for them to further their ties towards celebration of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations (1990-2020).
Regarding regional and international issues, the two sides laid stress on thenecessity to maintain peace, stability and the rule of law, and settle disputesvia peaceful means in line with international law.
They pledged to continue enhancing coordination at multilateral forums like theUnited Nations, ASEM, and ASEAN forums, particularly in 2020 when Vietnam isplaying the roles as the ASEAN Chair and a non-permanent member of the UNSecurity Council./.
VNA
