Vietnam – EU parliamentary friendship marks in Belgium hinh anh 1 Vietnamese Ambassador to Belgium Vuong Thua Phong (left) and President of the parliamentary friendship group, Jan Zahradil (Source: VNA)

Brussels (VNA) – European officials and international friends gathered in Brussels, Belgium on November 29 to mark the second anniversary of the Vietnam – EU parliamentary friendship group in the European Parliament (EP) (November 11).

The event was organised by the Embassy of Vietnam in Belgium and Vietnam’s Mission to the EU.

Addressing the ceremony, Vietnamese Ambassador to Belgium and Head of the Vietnam Mission to the EU Vuong Thua Phong lauded the contributions made by the EP to promoting Vietnam – EU relations.

Phong highlighted significant achievements in the past two years, including  the conclusion of negotiations for the EU - Vietnam free trade agreement (EVFTA) in December 2015, and the EU-Vietnam Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation becoming effective in October 2016.

Vietnam supports EU efforts to expand cooperation in Asia – Pacific, Phong said, expressing his hope that the two sides will accelerate the ratification of the EVFTA.

For his part, president of the parliamentary friendship group, Jan Zahradil detailed the group’s operations over the past two years.

The most important task is to push ratification of the EVFTA, he said, adding that final legal documents are under review.

As part of its efforts to push ratification of the EVFTA, the group President is scheduled to visit Vietnam from December 3-5. A delegation from the group will also tour Vietnam next year to strengthen parliamentary cooperation between the two nations.

The Vietnam – EU parliamentary friendship group gathers nearly 40 parliamentarians in different parties in the EP, with the aim of boosting Vietnam – EU relations.-VNA
VNA