Prime Minister’s trip to Europe yields pragmatic outcomes
Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung’s recent working trip to France, Belgium and the European Union yields pragmatic outcomes across politics, external affairs, economics and culture.
Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung delivers a speech at the COP 21 (Photo: VNA)
Brussels (VNA) – Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung’s recent working trip to France, Belgium and the European Union yields pragmatic outcomes across politics, eꦰxternal affairs, economics and culture, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ha Kim Ngoc said in a press interview in Belgium on December 2.
The Deputy Minister said during the trip, in addition to attending the 21 st Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 21) in Paris, the PM had talks and meetings with French, Belgian and EU leaders, which have helped to strengthen relations between Vietnam and these important partners.
The signing of a financial agreement with the EU for the EU Justice and Legal Empowerment Programme in Vietnam and particularly the signing of documents on the official conclusion of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA)’s negotiations have opened up new opportunities in the bilateral trade and investment cooperation, he stressed.
The EVFTA, along with the EU-Vietnam Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) – which is now in the ratification process by EU member countries, will create an important framework for long-term, sustainable and mutually beneficial cooperation between Vietnam and the EU, he said, describing this as a turning point and a prerequisite to elevate Vietnam – EU relations in the coming time.
The diplomat noted that the Vietnamese Government leader also met with French leading enterprises to seek new cooperation in technology with France – one of the five strategic partners of Vietnam in Europe. In Belgium, the PM and his counterpart Charles Michel discussed a list of 18 joint projects in the 2016-2018 period.
The PM also visited the UNESCO headquarters in Paris on the occasion of its 70 th founding anniversary. The signing of a cooperation programme between Vietnam and UNESCO in 2016-2020 shortly after Vietnam’s election to the UNESCO Executive Board demonstrates the UN agency’s trust of Vietnam as well as its desire to cooperate with the Southeast Asian country.
The Deputy Foreign Minister highlighted the PM’s participation in the COP 21 as the most significant multilateral diplomatic activity in 2015.
The PM delivered a speech reiterating Vietnam’s responsibility, commitment, and effort in joining hands with the international community to cope with climate change, the diplomat said, adding that the country obtained international support and assistance in the field.
In addition, the World Bank President and the CEO and Chairperson of the Global Environment Fund (GEF) were committed to assisting Vietnam in climate change adaptation via growing forests in coastal areas to prevent erosion and salt water intrusion. Both Belgium and France also showed interest in forestation projects in Vietnam and pledged to support the country in the realm.
A notable outcome was Vietnam’s success to bring the Mekong Delta, one of the most vulnerable regions to environmental changes, under the spotlight at the COP21. A high-level dialogue was held under the co-chair of the Vietnamese and Dutch Prime Ministers and the World Bank Vice President to discuss measures for climate change response in the Delta.-VNA
Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung on November 30 held bilateral meetings with leaders of 24 countries on the sidelines of the 21st Conference of Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Vietnam plays an important role in intensifying mutual understanding and cooperation between the UNESCO member states, Irina Bokova, UNESCO Director-General, said.
Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung met with representatives from the French Communist Party (PCF) and French enterprises on the sidelines of COP 21 in Paris, France, on December 1.
Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and his Belgian counterpart Charles Michel agreed on ways to strengthen bilateral ties across politics, economics, culture, education-training, and science-technology.
Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung held talks with President of the European Commission (EC) Jean-Claude Juncker on December 2 in the framework of his working visit to Belgium and the European Union.
Vietnam and the European Union signed an announcement on the official conclusion of negotiations on the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) in Brussels on December 2.
Known as the “four pillars for Vietnam’s ascend”, the Pobiburo's Resolutions 57, 59, 66, and 68 focus on cultivating a robust national entrepreneurial spirit, unlocking resources for innovation across society, and accelerating the development of digital economy, knowledge-based economy, green economy, and circular economy, propelling Vietnam forward rapidly and firmly on the path of modernisation and international integration.
Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang cleared up deputies' concern regarding how to spur socio-economic growth, renew traditional growth motives and establish new momentum for development.
Vietnam proposed several priorities: narrowing the digital divide, strengthening women’s leadership in the digital economy and AI governance, and mobilising sustainable financing for gender equality initiatives in line with each country’s national priorities and context. Vietnam also advocated for genuine women’s participation and leadership across all areas of public life.
Ha expressed his hope that cooperation in science and technology, agriculture, and natural resources would emerge as new focal points and engines of growth in Vietnam–China relations.
Giang said he believes that building on the solid foundation nurtured over the past half-century and the strong determination of both nations, the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will continue to grow in a more robust, comprehensive, and extensive manner, thus bringing more practical benefits to the two nations' people.
Highlighting the transformative potential of the draft law in revitalising Vietnam’s railway industry, Hoang Van Cuong, a deputy of Hanoi, expressed his support for Article 39, which empowers the Prime Minister to issue a list of railway-related goods and services to be assigned or ordered from domestic enterprises for production.
According to the Ministry of Public Security, Hoan, formerly Deputy Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, is under investigation for allegedly taking bribes in connection with a case involving the Hoang Long Construction and Manpower Supply JSC and related units.
Chairing a national conference on the organisation of the examination on June 18, the PM highlighted the historical significance of the examination, as the restructuring of provincial-level administrative units is underway and the two-tier local administration model is set to officially begin operations on July 1.
Right on the same day, the ministry issued its highest-level travel warning, urging Vietnamese citizens not to travel to Israel or Iran, and advised those already in these countries to swiftly consider evacuation or relocation plans.
From the struggles against colonialists and imperialists to the period of Doi moi (renewal) and international integration, the Vietnamese revolutionary press has always played a pioneering role on the ideological and cultural front, he said.
The Party leader's working session with the standing boards of the Party Committees of HCM City, Ba Ria – Vung Tau and Binh Duong, the VNA General Director's remarks on the occasion of the 19th OANA General Assembly, the launch of new NIC - Google initiatives aimed at bolstering AI entrepreneurship and digital literacy in Vietnam are among news highlights June 18.
Vietnam and Indonesia reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in combating terrorism as it remains a threat to peace, security, and stability across their respective nations, the broader region, and the international community.
The Vietnamese representative also emphasised the shared responsibility of relevant parties to build trust, enhance cooperation, and jointly manage the risks of conflict, thus safeguarding long-term peace and stability in the East Sea.
The National Assembly on June 18 passed the law amending and supplementing a number of articles of the Law on Product and Goods Quality, with 408 out of 420 participating deputies voting in favour, accounting for 85.36% of the total.
The Party leader asked the new HCM City to embrace a multi-centre and integrated urban ecosystem where each development pole functions as a link complementary to and intelligently connected with each other in a harmonious whole.
The resolutions issued by the PM as well as ministries and ministry-level agencies reassign responsibility for 346 administrative procedures - 18 from district to provincial levels, 278 to commune level, and 50 eliminated.
Legislators are due to pass several amended laws, including the Law amending and supplementing several articles of the Law on Economical and Efficient Use of Energy, and the Law amending and supplementing several articles of the Law on Product and Goods Quality.
Vietnamese localities' readiness to implement the two-tier local administration model, the evacuation of 18 Vietnamese citizens from Iran, Petrovietnam's 11th ranking in the 2025 Fortune Southeast Asia 500 are among news highlights on June 17 evening.
Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung delivers a speech at the COP 21 (Photo: VNA)
