Viet Nam, Greece urged to improve legal framework for bilateral cooperation

Le made the suggestion during his reception for Greece's Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis in Ha Noi on July 17.

Prime Minister also urged Greece to promote the ratification of the EU-Viet Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) by the remaining EU members, and to support the removal of the EC's "yellow card" warning against Vietnamese seafood exports.

He took the occasion to congratulate Greece upon its socio-economic achievements as well as its rising international standing, affirming that Viet Nam treasures the relations with Greece – one of Viet Nam's traditional partners.

Foreign Minister Gerapetritis spoke highly of Viet Nam's impressive development achievements, its increasingly important role in ASEAN, as well as the progress in the Viet Nam-EU relations.

Gerapetritis affirmed that his country attaches great importance to the relations with Viet Nam, and stands ready to serve as a bridge to foster the relations between Viet Nam and the EU.

Greece supports the EVIPA, the removal of yellow card warning against Vietnamese seafood exports, as well as the removal of Viet Nam from the EU list of non-cooperative jurisdictions, affirmed Gerapetritis.

Both sides expressed their wish to enhance coordination and mutual support at the United Nations and multilateral forums, and promote the relations between ASEAN and the EU.

The two sides also reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security, safety, and freedom of navigation and aviation, settling disputes via peaceful means in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea./.