Officials highlight progress in Vietnam-EU defence ties
Developments in Vietnam-EU relations, especially in security-defence, were highlighted during a meeting between a senior official of the Ministry of National Defence and a delegation of the EU’s Crisis Management and Planning Directorate (CMPD) in Hanoi on December 10.
Sen. Lieut. Gen. Phan Van Giang, Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army and Deputy Defence Minister (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Developments inVietnam-EU relations, especially in security-defence, were highlighted during ameeting between a senior official of the Ministry of National Defence and adelegation of the EU’s Crisis Management and Planning Directorate (CMPD) inHanoi on December 10.
Talking to Sen. Lt. Gen. Phan Van Giang (memberof the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, Chief of the General Staffof the Vietnam People’s Army, and Deputy Minister of Defence), CMPD DirectorGabor Iklody said bilateral ties have recorded strides in the recent past,including in security-defence.
The EU and Vietnam can further strengthencooperation in both bilateral and multilateral aspects, as well as in therelationship between the EU and ASEAN, especially as Vietnam will hold theASEAN Chair in 2020.
He said the EU is ready to promote collaborationin UN peacekeeping activities, adding that cooperation potential in this fieldis considerable, particularly in terms of personnel training and technicalassistance.
For his part, Sen. Lt. Gen. Giang asked the EUto help the Vietnamese army with UN peacekeeping activities so that the countrycan meet requirements while performing tasks at UN missions.
He urged relevant sides to keep closecoordination to accelerate discussion on future defence ties in the comingtime.
He also called on the EU to endorse Vietnam’scandidacy for a non-permanent membership in the UN Security Council for 2020-2021,and to support the two sides’ win-win cooperation to continue its development.–VNA
The Vietnamese Government and the European Commission (EC) have pledged to carry out the Europe-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the Investment Protection Agreement (IPA) in a timely and effective manner.
Vietnam and the European Union (EU) will continue efforts to complete procedures so as to officially sign, ratify and enforce the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), said the Foreign Ministry’s spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang.
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on October 29 welcomed a delegation from the European Parliament (EP)’s Committee on Fisheries led by Gabriel Mato, MEP and committee spokesperson.
Efforts to deal with consequences of Agent Orange (AO)/dioxin should focus on environmental improvement and long-term support for AO victims along with dioxin remediation activities, heard a seminar held at the European Parliament (EP)’s headquarters in Brussels, Belgium on November 28.
Vietnam holds great advantages to export agricultural products to European Union (EU) countries, whose soil is not suitable for the cultivation of tropical farm produce, experts said.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
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The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
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New Zealand is currently one of Vietnam’s most important partners in the region, marked by a high level of political trust, strong and reliable defence and security cooperation, and increasingly open economic, trade, and investment ties.
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The country is willing to participate in collective efforts to promote cooperation and mobilise resources to advance the current priority issues of developing countries, such as trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, making the most of scientific and technological advances for development, and people-to-people exchanges, Hang said.
During the negotiations, the US highly evaluated Vietnam’s goodwill and efforts, affirmed its appreciation for the bilateral relationship, acknowledged Vietnam’s proposals and concerns, and considered these an important basis for continuing discussions and moving towards a final agreement.
The Chairman stressed the need for stricter fiscal discipline, faster digital transformation, and more efficient management of State budget revenues and expenditures.
The ministry has instructed Vietnamese representative agencies in Israel, Iran, as well as those in neighbouring countries, to closely monitor the situation and request local authorities to ensure absolute safety for Vietnamese citizens living, studying, and working in high-risk areas.
Senior Vietnamese leaders on June 19 sent letters of congratulations to New Zealand leaders on the occasion of the 50th founding anniversary of Vietnam – New Zealand diplomatic relations (June 19, 1975 – 2025).
The Party chief attributed the achievements in the first half to the continuous, direct, and comprehensive leadership of the Politburo and the Secretariat of the Party Central Committee, and the close and effective coordination of relevant ministries, sectors and localities.
General Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chief of the VPA’s General Staff and Deputy Minister of National Defence reaffirmed Vietnam’s unwavering gratitude for Cuba’s invaluable support during its struggle for independence and nation-building efforts, and pledged to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Cuba as it navigates current challenges.
Sen. Lieut. Gen. Phan Van Giang, Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army and Deputy Defence Minister (Photo: VNA) 
