Vietnam keen to step up cooperation with EU, Belgium

At a reception for the local diplomat, King Philippe showed his elation at the positive development of Belgium-Vietnam ties, and underlined the need to expand cooperation through the frameworks of the Strategic Partnership on Agriculture signed in 2018 and the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) effective from August 2020.

He hailed bilateral cooperation at multilateral and regional forums such as the United Nations, the Asia-European Meeting (ASEM) and the International Organisation of La Francophonie, and stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation in ensuring security, safety and freedom of navigation in the region, including the East Sea.

Thao pledged his best efforts to enhance and deepen the bilateral relations in  a wide range of fields. He conveyed President Phuc’s invitation to invite the King to pay a State visit to Vietnam in the near future, especially when the two countries celebrate the 50th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic ties in 2023.

Both nations boast huge potential to expand collaboration in trade and investment, especially in the fields that Belgium has strengths and Vietnam has demand such as renewable energy, seaports, logistics, digital economy and climate change, according to him.

The early completion of the ratification process of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) by Belgium and EU member states will offer plenty of opportunities for Belgian businesses which desire to invest in the Southeast Asian nation and intensify their presence to neighbouring countries, Thao stated.

He thanked Belgium's State, Government, organisations, enterprises and people for supporting Vietnam’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

On the same day, Thao, who is also Ambassador and Head of Vietnam’s Delegation to the EU, presented his credentials to President of the European Council Charles Michel, during which he affirmed that Vietnam greatly values and aspires to push up its comprehensive partnership with the EU – one of Vietnam’s leading important partners in a variety of fields.

He said he would do his best to continue developing the bilateral ties by beefing up comprehensive economic cooperation, effectively carrying out the EVFTA, and speeding up the ratification process of the EVIPA.

Charles Michel, in turn, affirmed that the EU places importance on Vietnam’s role and position and its relationship with Vietnam, considering the nation its important partner in the region.

The EU will continue to cooperate closely with and support Vietnam in comprehensive and sustainable development, coordinate with and offer mutual support at regional and international forums, especially within the framework of EU-ASEAN cooperation, in accordance with the EU's strategy on solidifying relations with the Indo-Pacific region.