Viet Nam, Belgium agree to deepen strategic partnership on agriculture
VGP – Viet Nam and Belgium have agreed to further deepen the strategic partnership in agriculture.
The summit meeting between Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo in Belgium, December 13, 2022. Photo: VGP
The above agreement was reached by Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his Belgian counterpart Alexander De Croo during their summit meeting in Brussels on Tuesday.
The two Prime Ministers noted with pleasure at the positive outcomes of bilateral agriculture cooperation since the two countries established strategic partnership in this domain five years ago.
Prime Minister Pham suggested Belgium assist Viet Nam in circular agriculture economy and smart agriculture development, prevention of saltwater intrusion and drought in the Mekong Delta.
He also asked the Belgian side to help Viet Nam implement the national strategy on green growth in the 2021-2030 period and formulate trilateral cooperation with the engagement of African countries to deal with the global food security issue.
The two sides pledged to encourage their authorities and businesses to fully and effectively implement the EU-Viet Nam free trade agreement (EVFTA), and Belgian businesses to invest in such areas like digital transformation, renewable energy, seaport and strategic infrastructure development.
Prime Minister Pham urged Belgium to soon ratify the EU-Viet Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), and support the European Commission's removal of "yellow card" against Vietnamese seafood exports.
Both sides agreed to expand cooperation in defense and security, education and training, culture, tourism.
On climate change, the Belgian Prime Minister said his country stands ready to offer financial and technological assistance for Viet Nam to implement its international climate commitments.
The two Prime Ministers compared notes on regional and international issues of shared interest, affirming their resolve to continue close coordination and mutual support at multilateral forums and international organizations, contributing to ensuring peace, security, cooperation and development in the region and the world.
On the East Sea issue, the two sides reaffirmed the importance of ensuring peace, stability, security, safety and freedom of navigation and aviation in the East Sea; voicing support for the rule of law without resorting to the use or threat of force, and settling disputes through peaceful means in line with international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Pham took the occasion to extend thanks to the Government and people of Belgium for donation of COVID-19 vaccines to help Viet Nam push back the pandemic and reopen the economy.
After their meeting, the two Prime Ministers witnessed the signing of several cooperation agreements in the fields of agriculture, green marine economy, food safety among others.
Earlier the same day, Prime Minister Pham delivered his remarks at the EU-ASEAN Business Summit and hosted a reception for Patric Bergamini, Vice President in charge of Public Affairs, governmental contracts & business development at CMA-CGM./.
