The Vietnamese delegation to the negotiation is headed by Deputy Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son and the EU partner is headed by James Moran, Director for Asia in the European Commission Directorate General for External Relations.

Both sides will discuss existing issues, including a provision regarding “common principles”, particularly in the economic sector, and other provisions related to cooperation in trade and investment, immigration, laws and dealing with the aftermath of war, including mine clearance and law.

Vietnam-EU PCA negotiations, following the EU’s request, started in early 2008.

This round of negotiations will close on September 13, and takes place in the year that marks the 20^th anniversary of Vietnam-EU diplomatic ties, and on the threshold of the eight Asia-Europe Summit in early October.

In the spirit of cooperation and respect for each other’s position, the two sides made crucial progress in the past eight negotiations and help to end the talks later this year.