Vietnam always considers the European Union (EU) a top important partner which enjoys a prioritised position in Vietnam’s foreign policy, Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong has affirmed.

At a reception given to the head of the EU delegation to Vietnam Ambassador Franz Jessen in Hanoi on August 29, Trong said the signing of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) and the start of the negotiation on a free trade agreement are not only new important milestones, but also challenges to both sides that require political determination, goodwill and sincere cooperation for the best result.

He wished the EU diplomat success in his term of office, contributing to promoting the friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and the EU.

For his part, Ambassador Franz Jessen affirmed that promoting the comprehensive cooperative relations between the EU and Vietnam is the most important task in his term of office.

He reaffirmed the EU’s pledge to assist Vietnam ’s efforts to build and develop the country, implement its renewal process and facilitate its international integration despite the impacts of the current financial-monetary crisis.

The diplomat spoke highly of Vietnam’s position and role in the EU’s external relations, expressing his hope that the country will further promote the cooperative relations between EU and ASEAN.-VNA