Vietnam a major bilateral partner and an important partner of EU in ASEAN
VOV.VN - Vietnam is not only a major bilateral partner for the EU, but is also an important partner of the bloc’s co-operation with ASEAN.
Ambassador Igor Driesmans, head of the EU’s delegation to ASEAN, made the statement in a recent exchange with a VOV reporter held as part of the occasion of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's official visits to Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Belgium. In addition, the diplomat is preparing to attend the 45th ASEAN-EU Summit from January 9 to January 15.
According to Ambassador Driesmans, Vietnam is a Southeast Asian country which the EU has very close relations to, with the institutional framework for bilateral co-operation currently being "very strong".
Both sides signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), with this agreement now in effect and the two sides having a political co-operation agreement. In addition, they also have a defence co-operation pact on establishing a framework for Vietnamese participation in other civilian or peacekeeping operations in Europe, the Ambassador went on to say.
The mutual relationship has made great strides in recent times. According to data compiled by the European Institute for Asian Studies (EIAS), the EU represents the top trading partner, the third largest export market, and the nation’s fifth largest import market.
The bloc was also the fifth largest foreign investor in Vietnam during the initial eight months of the year, with the total registered investment capital of the EU in the nation reaching US$2.2 billion.
At present, the country is also viewed as having the potential to become a bridge in terms of playing an important role in the relationship between the EU and ASEAN.
Ambassador Driesmans went on to highlight the significance of the first summit with the participation of EU and ASEAN leaders in Brussels, Belgium. The diplomat assessed that there are three key areas where the EU must ramp up co-operation, including promoting green transition, enhancing regional connectivity and security ties, as well as respecting and strongly supporting the rules-based international order.
The EU diplomat said that some major investments from the bloc in ASEAN are expected to be announced by EU leaders in the near future. These investments will therefore help to support ASEAN's sustainable development in clean energy, digital transformation, and sustainable infrastructure.