PM Dung holds talks with EC President

PM Nguyen Tan Dung and EC President Barroso hold talks, Ha Noi, August 25, 2014 - Photo: VGP

President Barroso is paying an official visit to Viet Nam from August 25-26 at the invitation of PM Nguyen Tan Dung.

At the talks, the two leaders briefed each other about the socio-economic situations and diplomatic policies, exchanged views on international and regional matters of common concern, including the East Sea issue.  

PM Dung applauded the President’s visit which takes place in the context that the two sides are accelerating the EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement negotiations and preparing for the 25thanniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties.

He hoped for early ratification of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement which was signed between the two sides in 2012 as well as the recognition of Viet Nam’s market economy status.

The Government chief took the occasion to thank the EC and member countries for their assistance for Viet Nam in the socio-economic development cause and international integration process as well as their aid for the country for the period of 2014-2020.

As the coordinator of the ASEAN-EU dialogue relations, Viet Nam advocates the deeper participation of the EU in the regional mechanisms and pledges to beef up establishment of the ASEAN-EU strategic partnership.

Mr. José Manuel Durão Barroso highly valued Viet Nam’s socio-economic development achievements, expressing his belief that Viet Nam would continue to be an attractive destination for foreign investors, including those from the EU.

He showed his pleasure at the positive developments of the Viet Nam-EU relations, especially trade and economic linkages.

President Barroso further stressed strong commitment to ASEAN centrality in the evolving regional architecture and support to ASEAN Community building efforts, including the ASEAN post – 2015 Agenda.

Both the host and the guest emphasized the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security and safety of navigation in the East Sea.

President Barroso reaffirmed the EU’s stance on peaceful resolution of disputes in the East Sea through peaceful measures on the basis of the UN Charter and international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

EU calls on all parties in the meantime to avoid unilateral actions that escalate tensions, threaten peace, stability, maritime security and safety in the region and abide by all other elements of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC).