Vietnam prioritizes strengthening ties with EU

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong has reiterated the Vietnamese Party and State's unwavering policy of valuing ties with the EU at a reception for outgoing Ambassador and Head of the European Union (EU) Delegation to Vietnam Franz Jessen in Hanoi on August 13.

The Party chief glowingly spoke of comprehensive development of the Vietnam-EU relationship over the past 25 years while expecting that both sides will apply effective measures and forms to fully exploit their potential in politics, diplomacy, trade, and investment cooperation.

He hailed the conclusion of the Vietnam-EU FTA negotiation and asked the EU to soon ratify and implement the Vietnam-EU Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation (PCA) signed in June 2012.

Trong also praised the EU’s support for ASEAN and Vietnam’s views on the East Sea issue and suggested the two sides to cooperate closely at regional and global forums.

Ambassador Franz Jessen, for his part, said the Vietnam-EU relationship has grown steadily and the EU considers Vietnam a highly prioritized partner in Southeast Asia.

He said the EU deeply concerns over the East Sea situation and back the settlement of disputes by peaceful measures in line with international law. He pledged to continue supporting the EU-Vietnam relations in the future.

(VOV)