Vietnam treasures ties with Luxembourg: President Sang

Mr Sang emphasized this during November 7 talks with the Grand Duke of Luxembourg Henri, who is on an official visit to Vietnam.

The State President welcomed Grand Duke’s first visit to the country, saying the visit is a milestone in bilateral cooperation.

Grand Duke Henri highlighted Vietnam’s achievements during its renewal process and its socio-economic development, as well as its efforts to increase the status in the international arena. He congratulated Vietnam on the successful organization of recent key political events such as the National Party Congress and the election to the 13 National Assembly.

Both sides briefed each other on their countries’ socio-economic conditions and domestic and foreign policies. They expressed delight at the development of bilateral relations, namely those in politics, diplomacy, economics and development cooperation.

The leaders discussed ways to deepen ties by creating favourable conditions for the two countries’ business communities to collaborate in finance, banking, insurance, the heavy industry, transportation services, and tourism.

Both countries will also strengthen ties in the areas of aeronautics and space, the environment, health care, information and communications, and will promote cultural exchange through the organization of Vietnamese Movie Days in Luxembourg and the building of cooperation programs for the new period.

They emphasized the results of recent development cooperation projects and agreed to continue implementing them under the Vietnam-Luxembourg Indicative Cooperation Programme for the 2011-2015 period, which is focused on health care, education and vocational training, and rural development in disadvantaged areas.

Both sides also discussed regional and international issues of mutual concern and agreed to work closely in international forums.

After the talks, both leaders witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on financial cooperation.

** During the reception for Grand Duke Henri, Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong affirmed Vietnam’s foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, cooperation and development.

The Party chief also said Vietnam attaches great importance to developing ties with Luxembourg in various fields. 

He welcomed Luxembourg businesses’ active participation in economic, trade and investment cooperation activities with Vietnam. 

Duke Henri affirmed that Luxembourg will continue strengthening the long-lasting cooperation with Vietnam and promoting its role to foster relations between the EU and the Southeast Asian country. 

** On the same day, Grand Duke Henri met with Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, who said the visit will help bring the bilateral relationship to a new height.

He said despite initial achievements, Vietnam remains a poor country with per capita income of just over US$1,000.

Therefore, he said, Vietnam needs the assistance of the international community, including Luxembourg to successfully implement Millennium Development Goals and the sustainable development strategy.

Grand Duke Henri said he is impressed by Vietnam’s achievements in socio-economic development and poverty reduction and reaffirmed his support for  strengthened ties between both governments.

Luxembourg is willing to become a gateway for Vietnamese goods to penetrate the European market and to share its experience in training the human resources, he said.

** Also on November 7, Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh worked with Luxembourg’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn.