A score of measures to boost bilateral cooperation in the foresaid areas were discussed at talks between PM Dung and the EC President in Hanoi on August 25.
Host and guest informed each other about the socio-economic situation and foreign policies of each side and exchanged views on international and regional issues of mutual concern such as the East Sea issue and Asia-Europe Meeting.
PM Dung hailed the Vietnam visit by the EC President ongoing in the context that the two sides are working to accelerate the ratification of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) and the early conclusion of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) negotiations and preparing for the 25th anniversary of their diplomatic ties (1990-2015).
He thanked the EC and the EU member states for supporting Vietnam’s process of boosting socio-economic development and international integration and maintaining aid provision for Vietnam in the post 2014 period.
Dung also proposed a number of measures to strengthen Vietnam-EU economic and trade relations, asking the EU soon approve the PCA, be flexible in taking into account the different levels of development between Vietnam and the EU member states in EVFTA negotiations and recognize Vietnam’s full market economy after the EVFTA is signed.
PM Dung also praised the EU’s contributions to the process of building the ASEAN Community, Danube
-Mekong cooperation within the ASEM framework, adding that as a coordinating country for the ASEAN-EU relations, Vietnam backs the EU’s deeper participation in regional mechanisms and will make greater efforts in building a strategic partnership between ASEAN and the EU.
The EC President, in turn, applauded Vietnam’s socio-economic achievements and expressed his belief that Vietnam will promote economic reform to become an attractive destination for foreign investors including those from EU nations.
Manuel Barroso noted with satisfaction over the positive developments in relations between Vietnam and the EU, especially in economic and trade ties and development cooperation. He also voiced his organization’s desire to further foster ASEAN-EU relations and voiced support for ASEAN's central role in shaping a regional security structure.
Regarding orientations for future cooperation, the two sides consented to strengthen delegation exchange, consultation, coordination and mutual support at regional and international forums and create more favorable conditions for businesses to run long-term investments in each other’s market.
