Vietnam's top legislator has said the EU is always a leading partner with priorities in Vietnam 's foreign policies.
National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung made the remark at a
reception for Ambassador Franz Jessen, Head of the European Union (EU)
delegation to Vietnam in Hanoi on June 29.
Hung expressed his delight at growing comprehensive ties between
Vietnam and the EU over the past time, especially in trade and
investment. Two-way trade topped 24 billion USD last year, up 36 percent
from 2010.
The signing of the Partnership and
Cooperation Agreement between the two sides and the start of
negotiations for a free-trade agreement in Brussels are of
significance, bringing bilateral comprehensive cooperation to a new
height, Hung added.
He said he hopes the two
legislative bodies will increase the exchange of delegations at all
levels and work closely together at multilateral forums.
Ambassador Jessen said Vietnam plays an important role in the EU’s
external relations, adding that the EU always attaches importance to
ASEAN, especially Vietnam which serves as a bridge to step up
EU-ASEAN cooperation.
The diplomat said he will
create favourable conditions to boost ties between the two legislative
bodies, contributing to further strengthening bilateral friendship.
The same day, at a reception for outgoing Australian Ambassador to
Vietnam Allaster Cox in Hanoi , NA Chairman Hung said Vietnam always
attaches importance to developing ties with Australia and is willing
to facilitate the two countries’ cooperative projects.
Hung hailed the two countries for further deepening parliamentary
cooperation, with regular exchange of visits by delegations of
legislators, thereby promoting friendship and cooperation between the
two nations, especially in 2013 when the two sides are due to hold the
40 th anniversary of diplomatic ties.
Ambassador Cox
said he hopes the two sides will keep making efforts to become each
other’s big economic partner, with more and more investment projects
pouring into Vietnam .
He said he will do his
utmost to promote cooperation between the two legislative bodies,
contributing to fostering the two nations’ ties.-VNA