Vietnam- priority partner for Luxembourg's development cooperation in Asia
VOV.VN -The Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Luxembourg has applauded Vietnam’s achievements in socio-economic development and international integration over recent years while affirming that his nation wishes to develop cooperation with Vietnam and considers the country a priority partner in development cooperation in Asia.
The two sides informed each other about current socio-economic affairs and foreign policies in their respective nation, agreed on specific orientations and measures to promote bilateral cooperation and compared notes on international and regional issues of shared concern.
Minh thanked Luxembourg for its strong commitment to development cooperation programmes in Vietnam, and welcomed Luxembourg for setting up two Honorary Consulate offices in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, which has showed the importance of strengthening cooperation between the two nations
Regarding bilateral relations, the two diplomats expressed their delight at the developments in Vietnam-Luxembourg cooperation over the past 45 years. They discussed measures to augment cooperation such as strengthening delegation exchange at all levels, implementing the Framework Agreement on Cooperation signed in November 2017, identifying areas of cooperation in the new period so as to effectively use non-refundable aid from Luxembourg Climate and Energy Fund (CEF) climate change projects in Vietnam.
Deputy PM Minh suggested the two sides soon hold the 10th meeting of the Partners Committee in 2018 in Luxembourg to review the implementation of Luxembourg-funded programs and projects for 2016-2020. He expressed hope that Luxembourg investors will diversify investment fields such as construction, food processing industry, communication and information, high technology application, wishing that Luxembourg would facilitate Vietnamese goods gaining entry into Luxembourg and EU markets.
In the spirit of understanding, frankness and mutual trust, the two sides exchanged views on international and regional issues of mutual concern, and affirmed that the two foreign ministries will continue their close collaboration at regional and international forums. Luxembourg voiced its support for Vietnam's enhancement of ties with the European Union (EU) as a way to urge the EU to ratify the Europe-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) soon.
The Luxembourg side shared Vietnam views on the East Sea issue, reiterating that freedom of navigation must be respected and disputes need to be resolved peacefully in compliance with international law. It emphasized that ensuring maritime and aviation security and safety in the region is not only the interest of regional nations but also the common interest of the international community. The Luxembourg diplomat also supported the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, thus contributing to the maintenance of peace, stability and security in the region.
After the talks, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh received two honorary general consuls of Luxembourg in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.