Vietnam, EU discuss bilateral, multilateral issues

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dang Hoang Giang (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dang Hoang Giang and the Ambassadors of the European Union, France, Sweden, Poland and the Czech Republic discussed bilateral ties and several multilateral issues between Vietnam and the EU during a meeting in Hanoi on December 1.

Both sides pledged to step up collaboration in various areas, including the early ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), removal of obstacles regarding yellow card warning on Vietnam’s fisheries and fight against COVID-19.

About the 10th Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) scheduled for January 2022 in New York, both sides discussed their priorities and shared the view that it will present a chance for member states to affirm their strong political commitment, review the implementation of the treaty and suggest orientations to its future implementation.

Giang affirmed Vietnam’s consistent policy of supporting the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons towards the full disarmament. He also highlighted the right to study, develop and use advanced technologies for peaceful purposes.

Vietnam is a member of important international treaties on non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, including the NPT, and supports common initiatives and efforts to accelerate the disarmament of nuclear weapons for the sake of international peace, he said.

The EU side also spoke highly of Vietnam’s active and responsible participation at the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, the UK. They expressed readiness to share experience and assist Vietnam in delivering on its climate commitments in the near future.

The two sides promised to continue with discussions to raise mutual understanding on issues of shared concern in the spirit of mutual respect, good will and cooperation within existing mechanisms./.