Vietnam, Germany establish strategic partnership
Vietnam and Germany have agreed to establish a strategic partnership to lay a firm foundation for increasing bilateral cooperation in all areas.
Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and visiting German Chancellor Angela Merkel signed a joint statement on the establishment of the partnership in Hanoi on October 11.
Mr Dung hailed the signing of the joint statement as a milestone in cooperative relations between Vietnam and Germany.
During their talks, Mr Dung noted with satisfaction the rapid development of bilateral trade ties in recent years, saying Germany is a leading European trade partner of Vietnam.
He proposed that both sides create favourable conditions for their businesses to expand investment, iron out snags, boost dialogues on economic and investment cooperation, and implement key projects.
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He confirmed that Vietnam supports Germany in promoting relations with Southeast Asian nations. He expressed hope that Vietnam will continue to receive Germany’s support in boosting cooperation with European Union (EU) countries.
He proposed that Germany recognise Vietnam as a full market economy and support negotiations on signing a free trade agreement (FTA) between Vietnam and the EU.
Mr Dung recommended that both sides sign an agreement on visa exemption for diplomatic passport holders, increase cooperation in judicial affairs in the 2012-2014 period, education and training, environmental protection, climate change adaptation, science and technology and preservation of cultural heritage.
He asked Germany to expand cooperation with Vietnam in vocational training – a German strength.
The Vietnamese PM said that relevant Vietnamese and German agencies should work closely to soon implement the metro project No2 in Ho Chi Minh City and a high-quality vocational training centre project.
He called for increased investment in the Vietnam-Germany University to turn it into an exemplary role model in education cooperation between the two countries.
The PM expressed hope that the German government will increase scholarships for Vietnamese students wishing to study in Germany.
Vietnam will create conditions for implementing a pilot plan to teach German in several universities in the country, said Mr Dung.
He also asked the Germany government to support Vietnamese nationals in residing, working and studying in the country.
For her part, Chancellor Merkel said that Germany attaches great importance to promoting comprehensive cooperation in all areas with Vietnam.
Germany wants to expand cooperation with Vietnam in the areas of its strength such as education-training, telecom development and transport infrastructure, said Ms Merkel.
She assured her host that Germany will continue to provide official development assistance (ODA) for Vietnam.
Ms Merkel voiced her support for negotiations on a free trade area (FTA) agreement between Vietnam and the European Union, and early recognition of Vietnam as a full market economy. She said the signing of the FTA agreement will bring practical benefits to both Vietnam and the EU, including Germany.
The German Chancellor proposed that the two countries increase cooperation in military, judicial affairs, and conservation of biodiversity. She expressed her wish that Vietnam will support Germany in joining several international organisations.
Both host and guest exchanged views on some international issues of mutual concern.
They witnessed the signing of a number of documents between Vietnam and Germany, including an agreement on financial cooperation between the two governments and a letter of intent on judicial cooperation between the two justice ministries.
Chancellor Angela Merkel began an official three-day visit to Vietnam on October 11 at the invitation of PM Nguyen Tan Dung.