Deputy FM: PM Phuc’s Europe tour manifests Vietnam’s responsibility

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc at ASEM 12

So said Permanent Deputy Foreign Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Xuan Son of the prominent significance and outcomes of the Europe tour by PM Phuc from October 14-20.

In an interview granted to Vietnam News Agency on the tour, Son said leaders of the countries and the EU had frank and practical exchanges of ideas with PM Phuc. They attached great importance to the relations with Vietnam and highly valued the country’s international and regional position and role. They also expressed their support to the settlement of the disputes in the East Sea by peaceful means on the basis of the international law, especially the 1982 United Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Son pointed out that Vietnam and the EU strived to push for the early signing, ratification and implementation of the EU – Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the Investment Protection Agreement (IPA). The European Commission’s adoption of a decision to submit the EVFTA right during the tour is a timely decision that meets the current requirement and the two sides’ interest, Son stressed.

Concerning the prominent outcomes and significance of the 12th Asia – Europe Meeting (ASEM) summit, Deputy FM Son said the statement of the chairman of the summit sent out a strong message on the determination of the ASEM members to strengthen the Asia – Europe relations in coping with the global challenges and working out orientations to raise the ASEM cooperation in the time to come.

First, it is necessary to bring into full play the pioneer role that pushes up the multilateral cooperation and international order on the basis of the law, with the United Nations playing the central role.

Secondly, efforts should be made to accelerate the links into a cooperation orientation of ASEM.

Thirdly, commitments have been affirmed for the maintenance of peace, stability, security, maritime safety, navigation and aviation freedom on the basis of respect to all the basic principles of the international law. The members stressed the importance of the peaceful settlement of the disputes in line with the international law, especially the UN Charters and the UNCLOS, refraining from the use or the threat to use force or unilateral actions that run counter to the UNCLOS, and carrying out measures to build trust and practicing self restraint.

The meeting supported the important contributions by ASEAN to peace, security, stability and prosperity in Asia – Pacific and the world over, as well as ASEAN’s role in the regional structure. The success of the 12th ASEM summit continues to affirm the practicality, dynamic development and position of ASEM that creat new driving forces for the partnership and connection between Asia and Europe.

As a founding member of ASEM and P4G Summit, Vietnam contributed to their common success. At ASEM 12, PM Phuc was one of the eight leaders of 53 ASEM member states invited to make a keynote speech and deliver an important speech at the 16th Asia-Europe Business Meeting (AEBM 16). 

Member states spoke highly of Vietnam’s practical proposals to lift Asia-Europe partnership in the third decade, especially upholding ASEM’s vanguard role in promoting multilateral cooperation and coping with global challenges, stepping up inclusive socio-economic development, and connecting innovation and ASEM human resources development centres, as well as female entrepreneurs. 

In order to effectively cope with climate change, Vietnam urged developed nations to help developing ones access finance and technological transfer, and invest in clean energy. At the same time, ASEM needs to contribute to common efforts to reduce the release of plastic waste into oceans, sustainable trans-border water resources management and promote collaboration between the Mekong and Danube Sub-regions. 

Vietnam also received support for two proposals on developing ASEM cooperation in inclusive socio-economic development and promotion of digital economy amid the fourth Industrial Revolution. 

Member states welcomed Vietnam’s suggestion on promoting dialogue and cooperation to maintain peace, security and stability in Southeast Asia, including the East Sea. Participants at the AEBM 16 lauded Vietnam’s proposal to hold regular dialogues to promote ASEM Economic Ministers’ Meeting and dialogues between economic ministers and business community. 

At the P4G Summit held for the first time under the chair of Danish PM Lars Lokke Rasmussen, the Vietnamese PM highlighted the importance of strengthening global efforts in response to climate change, affirming that Vietnam will work closely with the forum’s member governments to realise global green growth goals 2030, stay ready to launch initiatives on public-private partnership in green growth, especially in energy and renewable  energy saving, agriculture and water resources, smart urban development. 

The leader shared Vietnam’s experience in achieving the forum’s common goals, including the establishment of the P4G national forum. 

Vietnam urged ministries, agencies, local authorities and businesses to join initiatives on plastic waste management and promotion of waste classification, as well as build a joint financial model in water supply and drainage in Vietnam. 

On the occasion, PM Phuc held nearly 20 official and sideline meetings with his counterparts from China, Russia, the UK, Norway, Spain, Finland, Poland, the Netherlands, Italy and Slovenia; Presidents of France and the Republic of Korea; and President of the European Commission. 

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh also met President of Cyprus Republic, Swedish Foreign Minister and Portuguese Secretary of State for European Affairs.