Vietnam always treasures relations with the European Union (EU), and is willing to discuss with the bloc issues of mutual concern, said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh on December 15.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh (Photo: VNA)
Madrid (VNA) – Vietnam always treasures relations with theEuropean Union (EU), and is willing to discuss with the bloc issues of mutualconcern, said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham BinhMinh on December 15.
He made the statement while meeting with EU High Representative for ForeignAffairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission JosepBorrell on the sidelines of the 14th ASEM Foreign Ministers’ Meetingin Madrid, Spain.
The Vietnamese Deputy PM asked the EU to push for the European Parliament’sapproval of the EU – Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the EU – VietnamInvestment Protection Agreement (IPA), so as to bring benefits to businessesand citizens of both sides.
Borrell, for his part, recalled his fine impression of the Vietnamese peopleand land, remarking that as Vietnam is one of the fastest-growing and most dynamiceconomies in Asia, both sides have huge potential to develop multi-facetedcooperation in the fields of politics, security, defence, economy, culture, andpeacekeeping activities, among others.
Both sides expressed their delight over the comprehensive development of theVietnam – EU relations. Vietnam and the EU have mechanisms for regularexchanges in various sectors, and inked many important agreements, laying legalfoundation for them to further their ties towards celebration of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations (1990-2020).
Regarding regional and international issues, the two sides laid stress on thenecessity to maintain peace, stability and the rule of law, and settle disputesvia peaceful means in line with international law.
They pledged to continue enhancing coordination at multilateral forums like theUnited Nations, ASEM, and ASEAN forums, particularly in 2020 when Vietnam isplaying the roles as the ASEAN Chair and a non-permanent member of the UNSecurity Council./.
National Assembly Vice Chairman Phung Quoc Hien affirmed that Vietnam always provides support for investors in the country, during a reception in Hanoi on October 7 for Chairman of the EU – ASEAN Business Council Donald Kanak.
National Assembly (NA) Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan received a delegation of the European Parliament’s Committee on International Trade (INTA) led by its Chairman Bernd Lange in Hanoi on October 30.
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc received head of the delegation of the European Union (EU) to Vietnam, Ambassador Pier Giorgio Aliberti, in Hanoi on November 22.
Measures to boost security – defence cooperation between Vietnam and the European Union (EU) were discussed at the their first ever security – defence dialogue recently held in Brussels, Belgium.
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.
The General Secretary underlined the resolve to achieve a growth rate of at least 8% in 2025, laying the groundwork for double-digit growth in the following period. He noted that these are mandatory targets, with no alternative path to success.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh (Photo: VNA) 
