EU is a top partner of Vietnam in many fields: PM

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) receives Ambassador Giorgio Aliberti, Head of the EU Delegation to Vietnam (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi – The European Union (EU) is a top partner of Vietnam in many fields and the relationship with the bloc holds a strategic and important position in the country’s foreign policy, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said while receiving Ambassador Giorgio Aliberti, Head of the EU Delegation to Vietnam, in Hanoi on December 10.

At the reception for the diplomat on the occasion of the 30th founding anniversary of Vietnam – EU ties, the PM highlighted the growing bilateral trade amid global difficulties, saying their mutual understanding has led to effective cooperation.

Aliberti said the 30th anniversary marks an important milestone in the bilateral collaboration, which, he hoped, to be strengthened in many spheres in the time to come.

Noting that the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) has created favorable conditions for the two sides to boost their partnership, he suggested the two sides push bilateral trade and Vietnam increase agro-aquatic product export to the EU market.

The diplomat took the occasion to request the Vietnamese Government tackle obstacles to facilitate European enterprises’ operations in Vietnam.

Agreeing with the guest's opinions, PM Phuc said the EVFTA, after coming into force for a short time, has brought immediate effects to both sides, particularly in helping their economic recovery.

As Chair of ASEAN 2020, Vietnam is pleased with the establishment of the ASEAN-EU strategic partnership and is confident of effective cooperation between the two sides in the future, the PM said.

He lauded the EU’s positive voice in support of respecting international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in the East Sea.

The Government leader thanked the EU for helping Vietnam fulfill its mission as ASEAN Chair this year and wished for further assistance to Vietnam as the country is holding a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council for 2020-2021.

PM Phuc also expressed his gratitude to the bloc’s humanitarian aid worth 60,000 EUR for Vietnam to address drought and saline intrusion in the Mekong Delta as well as support to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic.

Aliberti said EU leaders always treasure and highly evaluate achievements in the EU-Vietnam relationship.