Belgian Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo told Vietnam Communist Party (CPV)General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong that Vietnam is a priority in hiscountry’s cooperation strategy, at their talks on January 18 inBrussels.

Hailing Trong and the Vietnamesehigh-ranking delegation’s visit, Di Rupo described it as an importantmilestone that lifts the friendship and cooperation between Vietnamand Belgium to a new level.

He spoke highly ofVietnam’s renovation policy and achievements in past years, as wellas the role that the country plays in the region and its contributionsto regional cooperation and development.

Heemphasised Vietnam’s position in ASEAN, especially its role ascoordinator between the 10-member association and the European Union(EU), adding that he hopes the country will help promote the relationsbetween Belgium and ASEAN and between the EU and ASEAN.

The Vietnamese leader thanked the Belgian Government, people and thePrime Minister for their warm welcome, which reflects the traditionalfriendship between the two countries.

He affirmedthat Vietnam values Belgium ’s role in Europe and the world, andconsiders the country an important partner, in particular as a linkbetween Vietnam and the EU as well as other European countries.

The two sides expressed their delight at the developing Vietnam-Belgium ties.

They outlined measures to increase cooperation in politics, economics,trade, investment, development cooperation, education and training,science and technology, and infrastructure development.

General Secretary Trong invited the Belgian PM to visit Vietnam. Di Rupo accepted the invitation with pleasure.

Following the talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of a numberof cooperation agreements between the two countries, includingMemoranda of Understanding to fund Vietnam’s climate change response andthe construction of Dinh Vu port in Hai Phong city.-VNA