Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and EU ambassador Franz Jessen (Source: VNA)
Substantial room remains for increased collaboration between Vietnam and the European Union (EU), Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong told outgoing Ambassador and Head of the EU delegation to Vietnam Franz Jessen during a reception in Hanoi on August 13.
Speaking highly of the comprehensive partnership between Vietnam and the EU since the establishment of their diplomatic ties 25 years ago, the host reiterated the Party and State’s consistent policy of valuing ties with the EU, saying both sides should propose measures to maximise the potential and strengths of each side, contributing to deepening their links across the board.
He hailed the recent conclusion of negotiations on the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and asked the EU to step up approvals of the Vietnam-EU Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation (PCA) signed in June 2012 as well as the EVFTA signing.
The Vietnamese leader appreciated the EU’s support for ASEAN and Vietnam’s stance on the East Sea issue and asked for closer mutual support at regional and global forums.
Affirming that the EU considers Vietnam a significant and priority partner in Southeast Asia, Jessen believed that Vietnam and the EU have appropriate conditions to develop ties.
On the regional issues, the ambassador restated the EU’s support for the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law.
He also vowed to contribute more to the Vietnam – EU ties in his future positions.-VNA
