Chief Operating Officer of the European External Action Service (EEAS) David O’Sullivan is on a working visit to Vietnam from Feb. 29-Mar. 2.

This is the first visit to Vietnam by a high-ranking EU external official since the EEAS was established after the Lisbon Treaty on EU reform took effect on Dec. 1, 2009.

During his Vietnam visit, O’Sullivan met with National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh.

The EEAS officer and Deputy Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son held a political consultation at the deputy minister level for the first time in Hanoi on Feb. 29.

At their meetings, the two sides stressed the importance of Vietnam-EU relations and discussed measures to promote bilateral ties and international issues of common concern.

Vietnam spoke highly of the EU’s role and affirmed its backing for the EU to enhance cooperation with Asia and the Pacific bilaterally and multilaterally for peace, stability and development in the region.

Vietnam welcomed and highly valued the EU’s commitment to maintain its official development assistance (ODA) at a high level for Vietnam although it faces public debt issues.

Vietnam asked the EU to soon recognise its market economy status and continue granting the Generalised System of Preference (GSP) to Vietnam for 2013-2015.

The EU spoke highly of Vietnam ’s achievements in its renewal process and its important role in the region, affirming its desire to boost cooperation with Vietnam for peace, stability and prosperity in the region and the world.

Both sides agreed on maintaining a regular dialogue mechanism at deputy minister level, in order to boost understanding and comprehensive cooperation in future.

On Mar. 1, O’Sullivan met with Deputy Defence Minister Sen. Lieut. General Nguyen Chi Vinh.

The Deputy Minister said that Vietnam has established friendship and cooperation in defence with many EU member countries.

Vietnam wants the EU to assist with a number of issues, such as provision of equipment and finance in clearing mines and unexploded ordnance, overcoming the aftermath of dioxin and war, as well as sharing experience and supporting the country during its preparation and participation in United Nations’ peacekeeping activities.

O’Sullivan said Vietnam is an important partner and a bridge for the EU in cooperating with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)./.