Party and Gov't leaders receive European Council President

The statement was made by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong at the October 31 reception for European Council President Herman Van Rompuy in Hanoi.

He said the President’s visit represents a new landmark in the Vietnam-EU relations.

Trong praised the EU’s effective cooperation and assistance to Vietnam as well as its commitment to more assistance to the country until 2020.

Vietnam hopes the EU will expand multifaceted cooperation in the fields of the two sides' strength, the Party leader added.

For his part, Rompuy said the EU will maintain its assistance to Vietnam as well as support the country’s sustainable development, institutional reform and human resources development, and encourage European businesses to intensify investment in Vietnam.

The EU hopes to be a partner of Vietnam not only in economics and trade but also in politics, he said, adding that the union also supports the settlement of marine disputes through peaceful means on the basis of respect for international law.

At his reception for President Rompuy the same day, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung said the two sides boast huge potential for future cooperation.

He also suggested both sides further increase economic, trade, investment and tourism cooperation.

Vietnam is improving its business environment and is willing to create favourable conditions for EU investors to do long-term business in the country, he said.

Dung also said the two sides should continue to work closely during the first round of negotiation on the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and implement the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA).

While asking the EU for early recognition of Vietnam’s market economy status, Dung expressed his hope that the union will maintain its ODA funding for Vietnam to help build infrastructure, cope with climate change and sea level rise as well as train human resources.

Rompuy said the EU always wants to strengthen cooperation with Vietnam and his visit reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the multifaceted cooperation with the Southeast Asian country.

Vietnam’s market economy status will soon be recognized and the EU hopes Vietnam will support it in combined efforts to boost cooperation with ASEAN member countries, he said.