Prime Minister: Viet Nam treasures comprehensive partnership and cooperation with EU

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized the point on Tuesday during his reception for Ambassador, head of the EU Delegation to Viet Nam Giorgio Aliberti.

Pham, who planned to visit three European countries this week, expressed thanks to the EU for donating nearly 30 million COVID-19 vaccine doses and medical equipment worth nearly VND40 billion to help Viet Nam in its COVID-19 fight.  

Viet Nam always backs stronger ASEAN-EU Strategic Partnership, asserted Pham, suggesting the EU delegation and the Ambassador continue playing a role in enhancing delegation exchanges, particularly high-ranking ones, to increase political understanding and shape orientations for cooperation between the two sides in the upcoming time.

The Prime Minister urged both sides to foster close coordination to effectively implement the EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the EU members to soon ratify the EU-Viet Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).

Viet Nam expects the EU will encourage its enterprises to invest in high-quality projects in the Southeast Asian country in spheres of processing industry, digital transformation, green transition, renewable energy and circular economy, said Pham.  

Pham affirmed that Viet Nam determines to resolutely take measures to prevent illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, calling on the European Commission (EC) to issue a fair decision acknowledging Viet Nam's all-out efforts to fight and eradicate IUU fishing.

He suggested the EU member countries assist Viet Nam in getting access to financial resource and technologies for climate change adaptation and urge development partners to soon make specific commitments to support Viet Nam in fields of renewable energy.  

For his side, Giorgio Aliberti appreciates the determinations and efforts of Viet Nam in combatting IUU fishing and adapting to climate change.

Viet Nam is an attractive destination for European investors, particularly in such fields like green transition and renewable energy, said the Ambassador.

Regarding international and regional issues of common concerns, both sides reiterated the importance of handling disputes via peaceful measures in accordance with international law./.