He made the statement while meeting with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission Josep Borrell on the sidelines of the 14th ASEM Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Madrid, Spain.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh.

The Vietnamese Deputy PM asked the EU to push for the European Parliament’s approval of the EU – Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the EU – Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (IPA), so as to bring benefits to businesses and citizens of both sides.

Borrell, for his part, recalled his fine impression of the Vietnamese people and land, remarking that as Vietnam is one of the fastest-growing and most dynamic economies in Asia, both sides have huge potential to develop multi-faceted cooperation in the fields of politics, security, defence, economy, culture, and peacekeeping activities, among others.

Both sides expressed their delight over the comprehensive development of the Vietnam – EU relations. Vietnam and the EU have mechanisms for regular exchanges in various sectors, and inked many important agreements, laying legal foundation 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 the necessity to maintain peace, stability and the rule of law, and settle disputes via peaceful means in line with international law.

They pledged to continue enhancing coordination at multilateral forums like the United Nations, ASEM, and ASEAN forums, particularly in 2020 when Vietnam is playing the roles as the ASEAN Chair and a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.

Vietnam supports EU’s efforts to promote Europe-Asia connectivity

Vietnam supports the European Union (EU)’s efforts to strengthen Europe-Asia connectivity, Nguyen Van Binh, Politburo member and head of the Party Central Committee’s Economic Commission, said at the Europa Connectivity Forum in Brussels, Belgium, on September 27.

Vietnam willing to connect ASEAN and EAEU

Vietnam stands ready to work as a bridge to help Russia as well as the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) expand ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), towards a trade and investment agreement between the two regions, a senior Vietnamese official said on September 4.

EU aims to step up cooperation with Vietnam

The European Union (EU) considers Vietnam a leading partner in the region and is implementing many specific policies and measures to enhance its cooperative relations with the Southeast Asian country, a senior EU official said on August 5.

Vietnam, EU sign free trade, investment protection agreements

The EU – Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the EU – Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) were officially signed in Hanoi on June 30 afternoon, in the witness of Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Vietnamese National Assembly and Government leaders, and leaders of the European Union (EU).

EU countries wish to enhance cooperation with Vietnam

Members of the European Union (EU) have expressed their wish to promote cooperation with Vietnam, including the earliest possible signing of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the EU-Vietnam Investment Promotion Agreement (EVIPA), EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström has said. 

Source: VNA