They discussed orientations and specific measures to promote the two countries’ relations in all fields, particularly in the five key bilateral cooperative areas of politics and diplomacy; trade and investment; justice and law; development cooperation and environmental protection; and education, science, technology, culture, communications and people-to-people exchanges.

The two sides also discussed and basically completed contents of cooperative documents for signing on the occasion of the upcoming visit to Vietnam on Oct. 11-12 by German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

They affirmed their resolve to actively and efficiently implement outstanding cooperative projects such as the Vietnam-Germany University , the metro route 2 in Ho Chi Minh City , a vocational training centre in the north and other important projects.

They agreed to increase cooperation and back their respective candidacy at multilateral forums and international organisations, especially at the United Nations.

Vietnam welcomes and supports Germany ’s increased ties with ASEAN, contributing to development in Southeast Asia and the Asia-Pacific.

In return, Germany affirmed its support for Vietnam ’s expanding comprehensive cooperation with the European Union.

They also discussed regional and international issues of common concern. Also the same day, Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh received State Secretary Emily Haber, speaking highly of the development of the Vietnam-Germany relations in recent years.

He affirmed that Vietnam will work closely with Germany to prepare for the upcoming visit to Vietnam of Chancellor Merkel, bringing the two countries’ relations to a strategic height with strong, deep and efficient development for the interests of the two peoples and for peace, stability and development in the region and the world.