Vietnam, Hungary commit to fostering all-round co-operation
VOV.VN - Both Vietnam and Hungary will strive to increase co-operation across various fields on a par with the comprehensive partnership that was upgraded during a visit to Hungary in 2018 by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.
The agreement was reached during talks held in Hanoi on October 16 between Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and visiting Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó.
The pair stated that bilateral economic and trade ties have enjoyed steady development in recent times, but have yet to fulfil the potential and desires of the two sides. Therefore, they agreed to encourage businesses from the two countries to promote co-operation, especially in areas that can be considered to be Hungary’s strengths and sectors that Vietnam needs. The potential areas of cooperation include the efficient exploitation of water resources, environmental protection, pharmaceuticals, food processing, renewable energy, processing and manufacturing industries, the defence industry, and further infrastructure development.
Vietnam considers Hungary to be a traditional and friendly partner in Europe, noted Foreign Minister Minh. The Vietnamese politician added that he believes boosting mutual ties to the level of a comprehensive partnership during General Secretary Trong’s visit to Hungary in September 2018, served to create a firm foundation for both sides to deepen bilateral co-operation.
In response, Minister Szijjártó spoke highly of Vietnam increasingly important role and position in the region, whilst affirming Hungarian desires to boost its comprehensive partnership in both a deep and effective manner.
The two sides expressed satisfaction at their close co-ordination and mutual support at regional and multilateral forums, including elections to UN agencies in recent years.
Foreign Minister Minh thanked Hungary for their support to ratify the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and for being the first EU member country to ratify the EU-Vietnam Investment Promotion Agreement (EVIPA). These two agreements are expected to bring about a range of practical benefits in terms of trade and investment ties between both sides, contributing to connecting the EU market with ASEAN and Asia-Pacific markets, he noted.
The Vietnamese Foreign Minister appreciated Hungary’s consideration of Vietnam as a priority partner in its official development assistance (ODA) policy. Due to this, plenty of Hungarian ODA-funded projects have brought socio-economic benefits to Vietnam, making a practical contribution to its sustainable development goals.
As such the two sides agreed to work closely in an effort to speed up the disbursement of approved projects by using Hungarian preferential loans within the framework of a financial co-operation agreement worth EUR440 million that was signed back in 2017.
The two diplomats also examined methods in which to increase bilateral co-operation in important areas such as security, defence, education, training, health, agriculture, culture, tourism, natural resources, environment, and employment. They also touched upon co-operation projects between the two Foreign Ministries, including staff training and scholarship exchanges.
Both host and guest exchanged views on international and regional issues of mutual interest, including the East Sea issue.
Vietnam and Hungary are celebrating 70 years of diplomatic ties this year.
