Vietnam, Belgium agree to boost ties

January 21, 2013 | 08:53

(0) user say

Belgian Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo told Vietnam Communist Party (CPV) General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong that Vietnam is a priority in his country’s cooperation strategy, at their talks on January 18 in Brussels.

Hailing Trong and the Vietnamese high-ranking delegation’s visit, Di Rupo described it as an important milestone that lifts the friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Belgium to a new level.

He spoke highly of Vietnam’s renovation policy and achievements in past years, as well as the role that the country plays in the region and its contributions to regional cooperation and development.

He emphasised Vietnam’s position in ASEAN, especially its role as coordinator between the 10-member association and the European Union (EU), adding that he hopes the country will help promote the relations between Belgium and ASEAN and between the EU and ASEAN.

The Vietnamese leader thanked the Belgian Government, people and the Prime Minister for their warm welcome, which reflects the traditional friendship between the two countries.

He affirmed that Vietnam values Belgium ’s role in Europe and the world, and considers the country an important partner, in particular as a link between Vietnam and the EU as well as other European countries.

The two sides expressed their delight at the developing Vietnam-Belgium ties.

They outlined measures to increase cooperation in politics, economics, trade, investment, development cooperation, education and training, science and technology, and infrastructure development.

General Secretary Trong invited the Belgian PM to visit Vietnam. Di Rupo accepted the invitation with pleasure.

Following the talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of a number of cooperation agreements between the two countries, including Memoranda of Understanding to fund Vietnam’s climate change response and the construction of Dinh Vu port in Hai Phong city.