The German President said he was impressed by Vietnam’s tremendous socio-economic achievements made by the people during the Doi Moi (Renewal) process as well as its open policy of diversifying and multilateralising external relations over the past two decades. 

He spoke highly of the country’s role in Southeast Asia and its regional integration policy and congratulated Vietnam on becoming the official member of the World Trade Organisation.

For his part, Mr Triet welcomed Mr Kohler’s first visit to Vietnam, considering it a milestone in bilateral relations. He briefed his guest on Vietnam’s socio-economic development achievements and major orientations to promote the Renewal process towards industrialisation and modernisation with the aim of developing Vietnam into an industrialised nation by 2020.

Mr Triet thanked the German Government and people for their valuable assistance to Vietnam, particularly German funded projects on poverty reduction, economic reform, protection and sustainable use of natural resources, health care and education.  

He praised Germany’s policy of enhancing the multifaceted cooperation with Vietnam, particularly in economics and trade, and encouraging its businesses to invest in the Southeast Asian country. 

He also spoke highly of Germany’s increasing role in the European Union and the world and affirmed that Vietnam attaches importance to developing relations with Germany. He stressed that both Vietnam and Germany still have great potential for expanding cooperation for mutual interests and for peace, cooperation and development in the region and the world. 

Both host and guest expressed their pleasure at the positive development in the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries and agreed on measures to bring bilateral ties to a new height to match the two countries’ potential and meet the aspirations and interests of their people.

The two leaders exchanged views and reach a consensus on regional and international issues of mutual concern, including sustainable development and protection of the environment and natural resources.

After the talks, the two presidents witnessed the signing of several cooperative agreements between the two countries.

The Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training and the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs signed a framework agreement on teaching German as a second foreign language on a trial basis at several junior and senior secondary schools in Vietnam.

The Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training and the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and the Arts of the state of Hessen signed a letter of intent on the establishment of a German University in Vietnam.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung also met with German President Horst Koehler in Hanoi on May 21.
The PM expressed hope that the two countries would continue their cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure construction and environmental management.

Speaking on investment opportunities in the South East Asian booming economy, the PM mentioned a metro project in Ho Chi Minh City to call for Germany’s attention. He added that the Vietnamese Government will create favourable conditions for all businesses but priority would be given to small-and medium-sized enterprises.

President Koehler said he wanted Germany and Vietnam to increase not only economic cooperation but also assistance in the cultural and educational fields as well.