Top legislator: Viet Nam highly values ties with EU
VGP - Viet Nam attaches importance to strengthening its relationship with the European Union (EU) - a leading important partner in the Southeast Asian country's foreign policy, said Chairman of the National Assembly Vuong Dinh Hue.
The Vietnamese top legislator made the above statement on June 19 at his reception for the European Parliament Delegation for Relations with the Countries of Southeast Asia and ASEAN (DASE) led by its Chairman Daniel Caspary.
Vuong spoke highly of the positive and significant outcomes in the Viet Nam-EU relationship across the pillars of politics, diplomacy, economy-trade-investment, agro-forestry-fisheries, national defense-security, development cooperation, and human rights dialogue.
For his part, Chairman Daniel Caspary briefed the host about the delegation's agenda with relevant Vietnamese agencies, including a mechanism for cooperation in implementing the Viet Nam-EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and in certain areas within ASEAN.
Caspary expected that two-way trade would continue to increase, and parliamentary cooperation would play a crucial role in the overall cooperative relationship between the EU and Viet Nam.
Notably, DASE members said mutual visits and delegations exchanges would contribute to raising mutual understanding, trust, and closer ties, bringing prosperity to the people on both sides. The consistent rise in bilateral trade volume over time demonstrates the importance of the EVFTA.
On regional and global issues of shared concern, Vuong suggested that the EU continue playing an active role and contributing with concrete actions to ensure the rule of law, freedom of navigation, and overflight in the East Sea.
Caspary expressed his hope that the EU's "Global Gateway" initiative would contribute to a strong connection between the EU and ASEAN and between the people of both blocs.
Besides, the Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership (ASEP) meeting, scheduled in Europe this year, would allow both sides to further engage in discussions and exchanges to boost collaboration.
On the occasion, NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue extended his invitation to a delegation of young EP members to the ninth Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians, which is to be jointly organized by Viet Nam and the Inter-Parliamentary Union this September./.