Vietnam and Belgium reached consensus on many measures to boost bilateral cooperation during the first Vietnam-Belgium political consultation at deputy foreign ministerial level in Hanoi on October 15.

During the event, which took place in the framework of Belgian Deputy Foreign Minister Dirk Achten’s visit to Vietnam from October 13-17, the two sides agreed to increase exchanges of delegations at all levels.

They will continue to coordinate in organising activities to celebrate the 40 th anniversary of diplomatic ties, while fostering cooperation among localities of Vietnam and Belgium .

The two sides will also encourage and create best conditions for businesses of both countries to meet and seek cooperation in prioritised realms, including seaport development and logistics, transport, green growth and high technology.

Vietnam and Belgium will work together to effectively implement joint projects on development cooperation, including those specified in the programme of orientation for cooperation in the 2011-2015 period.

The Belgian side affirmed that it considers Vietnam a prioritised partner in development cooperation and pledged to maintain its support in human resource training by granting more post-graduate scholarships to Vietnamese students and strengthening the links among universities and institutes of both countries.

The two sides agreed to maintain the consultation mechanism between ministries and sectors of the two countries, while lauding the success of the second meeting of the Joint Committee on Economic Cooperation, which took place from October 14-15.

Regarding international issues of mutual concern, the two sides committed to continuing their close coordination at international forums and organisations.

As the coordinator of the ASEAN-EU relations, Vietnam pledged to back Belgium ’s efforts to boost ties with the ASEAN.

The Belgium side said it will assist Vietnam in developing its comprehensive cooperation with the EU by working to hasten the approval of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the EU and Vietnam , and EU’s recognition of the market economy in Vietnam , as well as the early conclusion of negotiations for the Vietnam-EU free trade agreement.

The same day, the Belgian deputy foreign minister paid a cordial visit to Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh.-VNA