Deputy Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son (middle) and European officials (Source: VNA) Luxembourg (VNA) - Deputy Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son on November 5 met with the Swedish Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, and Foreign Ministers of Luxembourg, Ireland and Malta within the framework of the 12th Foreign Ministerial Meeting of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) in Luxembourg.
He also had dialogues with the Deputy Foreign Ministers of Austria and Slovenia.
Foreign diplomats described Vietnam as an increasingly attractive investment and tourism destination in the Asia-Pacific and expressed support for the early signing of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), saying that the deal would open up new economic co-operation opportunities between Vietnam and the EU, and between Vietnam and their respective countries in particular.
The Swedish and Luxembourg FMs said their countries will gradually change the form of assistance to Vietnam from ODA provision to creating partnerships and transferring technology in the fields of climate change response, infrastructure, green economy, health care, scientific research, and high-quality personnel training, helping Vietnam achieve the UN sustainable development goals.
The diplomats spoke highly of close, effective liaisons with Vietnam at global organisations and forums, particularly at the UN, the ASEM, the ASEAN-EU and the Vietnam-EU frameworks.
They wished to increase all-level visits with Vietnam to create further impetus to bilateral ties.
On the occasion, Deputy FM Son signed an agreement on visa exemptions for Maltese diplomatic passport holders.
In an interview granted to a Vietnam News Agency reporter, Maltese Foreign Minister George Vella said his country wishes to extend all-around links with Vietnam, focusing on politics, economics, culture and education.
He called for the prompt signing of a double taxation avoidance agreement to facilitate business activities in each country.-VNA
