Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (R) and Ambassador Giorgio Aliberti, Head of the European Union Delegation to Vietnam. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) – Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh hosted a reception for Ambassador Giorgio Aliberti, Head of the European Union Delegation to Vietnam, in Hanoi on December 6.

PM Chinh expressed his delight at meeting with the ambassador ahead of his trip to Europe and attendance at the ASEAN-EU 45th Anniversary Commemorative Summit this month.

Both noted with pleasure the intensive, extensive practical development of Vietnam-EU relations over the past 32 years, which have been advanced to a new height where the two sides are equal partners on the basis of mutually beneficial cooperation in all pillars, especially the implementation of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).

They shared the view that mutual trust has been consolidated, as reflected through the signing of eight cooperation mechanisms and the maintenance of high-level meetings over the past two years despite COVID-19.

On behalf of the Vietnamese Government and people, the PM thanked the European Commission (EC), the European External Action Service (EEAS), and the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam for their donation of nearly 30 million COVID-19 vaccine doses and medical equipment worth nearly 40 billion VND (1.66 million USD) to Vietnam, and a programme to assist the Southeast Asian nation in the fight against the pandemic.

PM Chinh briefed his guest on Vietnam’s socio-economic situation in the first 11 months of this year, its reform achievements, and development targets set at the 13th National Party Congress, as well as the country’s foreign policy.

Vietnam always treasures its comprehensive partnership and cooperation with the EU and its member nations, he said, noting Vietnam’s support for the enhancement of the ASEAN-EU strategic partnership.

Praising the role of the ambassador and the EU Delegation in Hanoi in promoting the bilateral ties, the government leader suggested them continue enhancing all-level delegation exchanges and meetings to raise political understanding and set cooperation orientations in the time ahead.

He also proposed maintaining and promoting cooperation and dialogue mechanisms within the framework of the Agreement on Partnership and Comprehensive Cooperation between Vietnam and the EU to review and seek new cooperation measures, fostering collaboration in areas such as the environment, climate change response, development goals, green transformation, digital transformation, circular economy, renewable energy, science-technology, and education-training.

The PM said the two sides should tighten their coordination to effectively realise the EVFTA and accelerate the ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) by remaining EU member countries, while boosting partnerships in trade and investment, with harmonised interests and shared risks.

He called on the EU to continue with development cooperation programmes and projects in the Southeast Asian nation.

Vietnam hoped the EU will encourage European enterprises to pay more heed to high-quality investment projects in the country, such as those in processing and manufacturing using high-tech, digital transformation, green transformation, renewable energy and circular economy, PM Chinh continued.

Regarding illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, the leader said Vietnam has taken measures to seriously and practically implement regulations against IUU fishing, including the 180-day action plan to have the EC's "yellow card" removed.

He suggested pushing the EC to make balanced decisions based on Vietnam’s efforts to stop IUU fishing, with development difficulties and differences between Vietnam and the EU in building and perfecting the legal system, fishery management capacity and fishermen’s livelihoods taken into consideration.

Speaking of efforts by Vietnam, the UK and the EU to draft a Political Declaration announcing the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), the PM proposed the sides continue with the matter.

He called on the EU to further support Vietnam in accessing financial resources and transfer technology in climate change response, while urging development partners to soon make specific commitments to Vietnam, particularly in equipment production and renewable energy development.

In reply, Aliberti commended Vietnam for its achievements recorded over the past 35 years of reform, and its resolve and efforts to deal with issues like IUU fishing and climate change.

Vietnam remains an attractive destination for European investors, especially in green economy transition and renewable energy, he stressed, pledging to closely coordinate in implementing cooperation activities in the areas mentioned by the PM.

Exchanging views on regional and international issues, they emphasised the🧸 importance of settling disputes by peaceful measures in accordance wi🗹th international law./.