The PM believed that with his wealth of experience, the ambassador will make practical contributions to bilateral strategic partnership in the near future.

The Vietnamese government, ministries, agencies and localities are ready to create favourable conditions for the ambassador to fulfill assigned tasks, he said.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) and German Ambassador to Vietnam Guido Hildner.

Hildner, for his part, lauded Vietnam as an important strategic partner of Germany and informed his host that four German delegations will visit Vietnam this week to carry forward coordination in economy, science and environment.

He suggested the two countries should further enhance ties in climate, environment, energy and vocational training.

The ambassador stressed that the recent signing of the EVFTA is a boon for Vietnam – Europe ties as well as Vietnam – Germany ties in particular.

The diplomat expressed Germany’s stance on supporting peace, stability, freedom, maritime and aviation security and safety in the East Sea in line with international law.

In his view, the two countries will have more cooperation opportunities when they both serve as non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council for the 2020 – 2021 tenure, Vietnam becomes ASEAN Chair in 2020 and Germany takes up the rotating EU Chair in the second half of 2020.

PM Phuc proposed the two countries soon build a strategic action plan for the 2019 – 2021 term and work together in holding celebrations for the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties next year, as well as facilitating the exchange of high-level visits.

The host asked Germany to push for the European Parliament’s ratification of EVFTA and the EU – Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement to benefit all sides.

He also called on German government and the EU to continue raising strong voice to support the settlement of disputes in the East Sea by peaceful means in line with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

According to him, Germany has been the top trade partner of Vietnam for many years with a two-way trade of 10.8 billion USD last year. However, German investment in Vietnam still stays modest at roughly 2 billion USD, ranking fourth among European member states.

PM Phuc expressed hope that the ambassador will work with agencies concerned to promote investment ties.

Hoi An ancient city hosts second latern night festival in Germany

The ancient city of Hoi An kicked off the second Hoi An lantern festival at Marktplatz Square in Wernigerode, its German twin town, on August 24 to mark the 5th anniversary of cooperation between the two cities.

Festival spotlights Vietnamese culture, cuisine in Germany

Vietnamese Culture Festival - Huong Viet 2019 has been held in Germany’s Augsburg city, introducing Vietnamese culture, cuisine, and tourism to German friends and international visitors.

HCM City leader welcomes German investors

Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party’s Committee Nguyen Thien Nhan on August 5 hosted a reception for German investors who visited to explore investment opportunities in the southern hub of Vietnam.

Friendship Order bestowed upon German Ambassador to Vietnam

German Ambassador to Vietnam Christian Berger was presented the State President’s Friendship Order in Hanoi on July 26 for his active contribution to Vietnam – Germany relations and cooperation.

PM hopes for comprehensive cooperation with Germany

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on July 17 expressed his hope for comprehensive cooperation activities between Vietnam and Germany, covering economy, politics, culture, national defence, security and personnel training. 

Source: VNA