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 ahigh-ranking EU external official since the EEAS was established afterthe Lisbon Treaty on EU reform took effect on Dec. 1, 2009.
Duringhis Vietnam visit, O’Sullivan met with National Assembly ChairmanNguyen Sinh Hung and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh.
The EEASofficer and Deputy Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son held a politicalconsultation at the deputy minister level for the first time inHanoi on Feb. 29.
At their meetings, the two sides stressed theimportance of Vietnam-EU relations and discussed measures to promotebilateral ties and international issues of common concern.
Vietnam spoke highly of the EU’s role and affirmed its backing for theEU to enhance cooperation with Asia and the Pacific bilaterally andmultilaterally for peace, stability and development in the region.
Vietnam welcomed and highly valued the EU’s commitment to maintain itsofficial development assistance (ODA) at a high level for Vietnamalthough it faces public debt issues.
Vietnam asked the EU tosoon recognise its market economy status and continue granting theGeneralised System of Preference (GSP) to Vietnam for 2013-2015.
TheEU spoke highly of Vietnam ’s achievements in its renewal process andits important role in the region, affirming its desire to boostcooperation with Vietnam for peace, stability and prosperity in theregion and the world.
Both sides agreed on maintaining a regulardialogue mechanism at deputy minister level, in order to boostunderstanding 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 asprovision of equipment and finance in clearing mines and unexplodedordnance, overcoming the aftermath of dioxin and war, as well assharing experience and supporting the country during its preparation andparticipation in United Nations’ peacekeeping activities.
O’Sullivansaid Vietnam is an important partner and a bridge for the EU incooperating with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)./.