EU Ambassador Franz Jessen has pledged to do his utmost to promote comprehensive cooperation between the EU and Vietnam, following a Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) signed on June 27.

Jessen, who is Head of the EU delegation to Vietnam, made the comment at a reception given by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong in Hanoi on August 29. He reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to help Vietnam speed up its national construction and development, as well as the Renewal process and international integration, despite the impact of the global financial and monetary crises.

The diplomat spoke highly of Vietnam’s increasing role and stature amongst the EU’s foreign partnerships and expressed hope that the Southeast Asian nation, as a coordinator for ASEAN-EU dialogue relations, will facilitate the enhancement of ties between the two trading blocs.

General Secretary Trong said he is delighted at the development of Vietnam-EU relationship across various fields since establishing diplomatic ties in 1990.

Vietnam considers the EU as its leading partner, he said, adding that the signing of the PCA and the negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) are important milestones which not only offer opportunities but also pose challenges for both sides.

The Party chief said he hopes Jessen fulfills his responsibilities successfully and contribute to cementing ties between Vietnam and the EU, in the interest of the people and for the sake of peace, cooperation and development in the region and the world as a whole.

(VOV)