The Vietnamese Party and State attach importance to strengthening the multifaceted cooperation with the European Union (EU).

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong made the affirmation while receiving visiting European Council President Herman Van Rompuy in Hanoi on October 31.

He said Rompuy's visit to Vietnam is a new milestone in the Vietnam-EU relations.

Trong spoke highly of the effectiveness of EU’s cooperation and assistance to Vietnam as well as its pledge for further assistance to the country until 2020.

Vietnam hopes the EU will intensify and expand multifaceted cooperation in the fields the two sides have strengths, the Party leader said.

For his part, Rompuy said the EU will maintain its assistance to Vietnam as well as support the country’s sustainable development, institutional reform and human resources development, and encourage European businesses to increase investment in Vietnam.

EU hopes to be a partner of Vietnam not only in economics and trade but also in politics, he said, adding that the union also supports the settlement of marine disputes through peaceful measures on the basis of the international law.

At his reception for President Rompuy the same day, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung said there are huge potentials for cooperation between the two sides.

He also suggested both sides further enhance economic, trade, investment and tourism cooperation.

Vietnam is improving its business environment and always welcomes and creates favourable conditions for EU investors to the country, he said.

Dung also said the two sides should continue to work closely during the first round of negotiation on the Free Trade Agreement and implement the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement.

While asking the EU for early recognition of Vietnam’s market economy status, Dung expressed his hope that the union will keep providing ODA to Vietnam in building infrastructure, coping with climate change and sea level rising as well as in human resources training.

Rompuy said the EU always wants to strengthen cooperation with Vietnam and his visit once again affirms its commitment to promoting and enhancing the multifaceted cooperation with the Southeast Asian country.

He also said he believed that Vietnam’s market economy status will soon be recognised, and expressed hope that Vietnam will supports the EU in its efforts to boost cooperation with ASEAN countries.-VNA