VN, Greece enhance cooperation in economics, diplomacy

Deputy PM, FM Pham Binh Minh meets with Greek Deputy PM and Minister of Economy and Development Giannis Dragasakis, Greece, July 2, 2018 - Photo: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam

DPM meets Greek President, Parliament President

At the meeting with Greek Deputy PM and Minister of Economy and Development Giannis Dragasakis, the two leaders said that the bilateral trade increased from US$196 million in 2015 to US$335 million in 2017.

They suggested enhancing collaborative efforts in such areas as maritime transportation and logistics, shipbuilding, seaport exploitation, tourism, and agricultural product processing to match the potential and aspirations of both countries. 

The Vietnamese leader expected that the Greek Government and enterprises to increase business and investment activities with Viet Nam, and the chambers of commerce of the two countries to organize more events, such as business forums.

Viet Nam is willing to work as a bridge helping Greek enterprises enter the Southeast Asia and Asia-Pacific markets, he stressed.

Mr. Giannis Dragasakis spoke of the potentials of Viet Nam, adding that as a gateway to Europe, Greece wants to strengthen collaboration with Viet Nam, and advocates the early signing of the EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement. 

Greece will share its experience with Viet Nam in tourism, seaport management and exploitation, and maritime transportation, he said. 

The two sides consented to create a legal framework to promote bilateral economic and trade ties, including negotiations for the signing of an agreement on double taxation avoidance, and another agreement on maritime transportation. 

Deputy PM, FM Pham Binh Minh holds talks with Greek FM Nikos Kotzias, Greece, July 2, 2018 - Photo: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam

At the talks with Greek FM Nikos Kotzias, both leaders expressed delights on the fruitful bilateral friendship and cooperation across several fields over the past 40 years since the two countries set up diplomatic ties.

In the upcoming time, they agreed to increase meetings and delegation exchanges at high-ranking and ministerial levels to improve mutual understanding, and propose specific measures to promote the bilateral ties effectively and comprehensively. 

The diplomats consented to continue to effectively realize the memorandum of understanding on tourism cooperation between Viet Nam and Greece, while enhancing partnerships in education and training, archaeology, and culture. 

They were unanimous to increase exchanges between the two foreign ministries and exchange officials specializing in international relations and maritime laws, while enhancing coordination at regional and international forums such as the UN, ASEM and EU-ASEAN. 

The leaders discussed issues of international and regional concerns, stressing the importance of peace, stability, security and freedom of navigation and aviation as well as the settlement of disputes through peaceful measures, based on respecting the international laws and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982. 

The occasion, Mr. Minh urged the Greek Government to create conditions for the Vietnamese community in the country to have a stable legal status and integrate into the host society, thus contributing to local socio-economic development as well as the greater friendship between the two countries. 

After the talks, the officials inked a bilateral agreement on visa exemption for diplomatic passport holders.

By Thuy Dung