PM holds phone talks with German Chancellor

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc meets with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on the sidelines of expanded G7 Summit in Japan in 2016. Photo: VGP

Phuc affirmed Viet Nam attaches importance to the strategic partnership with Germany, expressing thanks to Chancellor Merkel, German Government and partners for their active support for the development of the Viet Nam-Germany ties, especially accelerating the signing and ratification of the trade and investment deals between Viet Nam and the EU, thus opening up opportunities for the sides to spur post-pandemic recovery.

He suggested that the German Government encourage German businesses to expand cooperation with Viet Nam in such priority fields like manufacturing, supporting industries, smart infrastructure development, renewable energy, and manpower cooperation among others.

Viet Nam always welcomes German businesses to the country to seize opportunities amid the shift of supply and investment chains in the region, PM Phuc said.

Phuc took the occasion to extend thanks the German Government for supporting textile industry of several countries, including Viet Nam.

He spoke highly of Germany’s recent introduction of strategic orientations toward the region as well as the active and constructive role played by Germany in the region on the basis of advocating the ASEAN centrality, fostering cooperation and maintaining rules-based order.

Phuc highlighted the significance of ASEAN’s recent statements on related issues such as the statements adopted a few days ago at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and the ASEAN Regional Forum.

The two leaders agreed to step up the exchange of delegations, especially high-level ones when conditions permit, and coordinate closely in implementing the Viet Nam-Germany strategic action plan adopted last year in order to further deepen the strategic ties.

The pair highly valued the two countries’ close coordination and mutual support at international forums and organizations, particularly at the United Nations, when both sides are non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council based on their shared concerns and advocacy for multilateralism and enhancement of the role of the United Nations and other multilateral cooperation mechanisms.

Viet Nam, as the ASEAN 2020 Chair, and Germany, as rotating Chair of the EU in the second half of 2020, committed to continue beefing up cooperation and connectivity between the two regions, towards upgrading the ASEAN-EU ties.

Merkel spoke highly of the importance of the Indo-Pacific region in shaping the world order in the 21^st century, affirming that Germany will engage more actively in the region.

The two leaders underlined the importance of settling disputes through peaceful means in line with international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in the East Sea.

The sides pledged to work together to ensure peace, stability, safety, security, and freedom of navigation and aviation in the region./.

By Quang Minh