Vietnamese top legislator has said the EU is always a leading partner with priorities in Vietnam's foreign policies.
National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung made the remark at a reception for Ambassador Franz Jessen, Head of the European Union (EU) delegation to Vietnam in Hanoi on June 29.
Hung expressed his delight at growing comprehensive ties between Vietnam and the EU over the past time, especially in trade and investment. Two-way trade topped 24 billion USD last year, up 36 percent from 2010.
The signing of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the two sides and the start of negotiations for a free-trade agreement in Brussels are of significance, bringing bilateral comprehensive cooperation to a new height, Hung added.
He said he hopes the two legislative bodies will increase the exchange of delegations at all levels and work closely together at multilateral forums.
Ambassador Jessen said Vietnam plays an important role in the EU’s external relations, adding that the EU always attaches importance to ASEAN, especially Vietnam which serves as a bridge to step up EU-ASEAN cooperation.
The diplomat said he will create favourable conditions to boost ties between the two legislative bodies, contributing to further strengthening bilateral friendship.
The same day, at a reception for outgoing Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Allaster Cox in Hanoi, NA Chairman Hung said Vietnam always attaches importance to developing ties with Australia and is willing to facilitate the two countries’ cooperative projects.
Hung hailed the two countries for further deepening parliamentary cooperation, with regular exchange of visits by delegations of legislators, thereby promoting friendship and cooperation between the two nations, especially in 2013 when the two sides are due to hold the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties.
Ambassador Cox said he hopes the two sides will keep making efforts to become each other’s big economic partner, with more and more investment projects pouring into Vietnam.
He said he will do his utmost to promote cooperation between the two legislative bodies, contributing to fostering the two nations’ ties.
Source: VNA