Vietnam attaches importance to strengthening the friendship and
multi-faceted cooperation with Luxembourg, one of Vietnam’s
important partners in the European Union.
State
President Truong Tan Sang made the affirmation during his talks with the
Grand Duke of Luxembourg, Henri, in Hanoi on Nov. 7.
President Sang applauded the Duke’s visit, considering it an important
milestone in consolidating and developing the friendship and
cooperation between Vietnam and Luxembourg .
Duke Henri spoke highly of Vietnam ’s achievements during the renewal
process and socio-economic development with its increasing position in
the region and the world.
The two leaders highly
valued the fine development of bilateral ties over the past years,
especially in politics-diplomacy, economics and development cooperation.
They agreed to create conditions for the two
countries’ business communities to boost cooperation in finance-banking,
insurance, heavy industry, transport service and tourism.
They discussed ways to enhance cooperation in aviation, space
technology, environment and sustainable development, health, information
and communications.
Their discussions also focused
on the necessity for the two sides to strengthen cultural exchanges
through jointly organising the “Vietnamese film days” in Luxembourg
in 2012 and building a cultural cooperation programme for the new
period.
The two sides agreed to continue
implementing projects under the Vietnam-Luxembourg Indicative
Cooperation Programme for the 2011-2015 period, focusing on health,
education, vocational training and rural development.
In the spirit of mutual understanding and trust, the two sides
discussed regional and international issues of common concern and
affirmed to continue close cooperation and coordination at international
forums and organisations.
Vietnam vowed to support
Luxembourg in strengthening ties with ASEAN while Luxembourg affirmed
to back Vietnam in developing comprehensive relations with the EU.
After the talks, President Sang and Duke Henri
witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding on financial
cooperation.
On the same day, the Grand Duke of
Luxembourg was received by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong,
National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung and Prime Minister Nguyen
Tan Dung.
Party General Secretary Trong reiterated
that with its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace,
cooperation and development, Vietnam attaches importance to developing
ties with Luxembourg in various fields.
He
welcomed Luxembourg businesses’ active participation in economic,
trade and investment cooperation activities with Vietnam .
Duke Henri affirmed that Luxembourg will continue strengthening the
long-lasting cooperation with Vietnam and promoting its role to
foster relations between the EU and the Southeast Asian country.
At the reception for the Grand Duke of Luxembourg, NA Chairman Hung
expressed his hope that the two countries’ parliaments will further
strengthen the exchange of visits and the sharing of legislative
experience in the future.
The Duke said the
cooperation between the two parliaments is very important for the two
countries to enhance the relationship. He suggested the two sides
actively boost exchange activities and mutual support in building laws
and policies.
While meeting with Prime Minister
Dung, Duke Henri said that Luxembourg is ready to serve as a gateway
for Vietnam ’s goods to enter Europe .
The PM
thanked Luxembourg for its non-refundable aid for Vietnam , saying
that it has helped Vietnam implement development goals, especially
in poverty reduction.
In its development process,
Vietnam wants to receive cooperation and support from the international
community, including Luxembourg , he said./.