Hanoi (VNA) - Vietnam and Greece agreed to deepen parliamentary and economic cooperation, with Vietnam calling for Greece's support for the ratification of the EU–Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) and the removal of the European Commission’s “yellow card” warning on Vietnamese seafood exports.
During talks in Hanoi on March 2 with First Vice President of the Hellenic Parliament Ioannis Plakiotakis, who is on an official visit to Vietnam, National Assembly (NA) Vice Chairman Nguyen Duc Hai stressed that stronger parliamentary ties between the two countries will provide a solid political foundation for expanding bilateral cooperation in trade, investment and regional connectivity.
He noted that despite geographical distance, Vietnam and Greece share numerous similarities such as historical traditions, rich cultural heritage and strategic positions in Southeast Asia and the Balkans, offering favourable conditions to further foster collaboration.
Expressing thanks for the solidarity and support of the Greek people for Vietnam’s struggle for national independence, Hai stressed that the two legislatures should strengthen cooperation to lay a stronger and more substantive foundation for bilateral relations in the time ahead.
Briefing on the outcomes of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and strategic orientations for rapid and sustainable development of Vietnam in the coming time, the NA Vice Chairman affirmed that these directions are fully aligned with the framework of cooperation between Vietnam and Greece.
Spotlighting Vietnam’s consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation and diversification of relations, alongside proactive and comprehensive international integration, Hai underlined the country’s strong determination to deepen engagement with the EU, expressing his hope that Greece will continue to support and actively participate in this process.
He noted that 21 out of 27 EU member states have ratified EVIPA and called on Greece to support efforts to accelerate ratification by the remaining members so that the agreement can soon enter into force. He also urged Greece to raise its voice within the EU in favour of the early removal of the “yellow card” on Vietnamese seafood exports related to illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
He hoped the two sides to step up trade and investment promotion; expand cooperation across areas of potential; explore new cooperation avenues such as labour and pharmaceuticals; and consider the possibility of launching direct air routes between Vietnam and Greece. He also called for continued support for the Vietnamese community in Greece to help them stabilise their lives, thrive, and further promote their role as a bridge of friendship, contributing to the bilateral relations.
Noting Vietnam stands ready to serve as a bridge between Greece and ASEAN, Hai expressed support for stronger ties between the Hellenic Parliament and the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA). He suggested the two sides maintain close coordination and mutual support at multilateral parliamentary forums, including the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership (ASEP).
He also expressed his hope that Greece will continue supporting ASEAN’s and Vietnam’s stance on the East Sea issue, including ensuring security, safety and freedom of navigation and overflight in the region, and resolving disputes by peaceful measures in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
For his part, Ioannis Plakiotakis described Vietnam as one of Greece’s most important partners in Southeast Asia and affirmed Greece’s desire to promote comprehensive cooperation through both parliamentary and governmental channels, contributing to taking the relationship between the two countries to a higher level.
Showing satisfaction with the positive outcomes of Vietnam–Greece cooperation across fields, including trade and investment, maritime and shipbuilding, as well as tourism and culture, he spoke highly of Vietnam’s economic achievements and diversification strategy.
There remains ample room and potential for further expanding bilateral cooperation, he noted, stressing that one of the key instruments to promote stronger ties, particularly in trade, is the effective implementation of the EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).
The Greek guest hoped that the two sides will strengthen cooperation in potential areas such as infrastructure, human resource training and logistics. He also voiced his belief that strengthened parliamentary engagement would create solid foundation for further deepening and enhancing the effectiveness of bilateral ties./.
