Hanoi (VNA) – With rapid developmentover the past 30 years, cooperation between Vietnam and the EU is expected togrow further in 2021 and the years to come, a Vietnamese official has said.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs To Anh Dunghighlighted comprehensive developments of the Vietnam-EU relationship andconsidered prospects for the ties in a recent article published on the occasionof the 30th anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic ties (November28).

Over the past three decades, the diplomatic tieshave made rapid, outstanding strides, expanding from cooperation in certain areasto a comprehensive partnership, he said, noting this has affirmed thetrust-worthy and friendly spirit and shared long-term vision of the two sidesin efforts to elevate the bilateral relations and contribute to peace,cooperation and development regionally and globally.

The Deputy FM attributed the achievement to thedynamic shift from traditional fields to other potential realms.

The EU is one of Vietnam’s leading and strategicpartners, which holds an important role in the international arena in terms ofsecurity and peace, as well as economy and development, Dung affirmed.

Meanwhile, Vietnam is a strong partner of the EU inthe Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Asia-Pacific.

The two sides’ efforts to promote their bilateralties can be seen in the regular exchange of high-ranking delegations and their closecoordination in various fields, he added.

The two sides also supported each other in theCOVID-19 pandemic fight, and the EU has provided aid for Vietnam’s centralprovinces affected by natural disasters last October, the official went on.

In the article, Dung highlighted the signing andratification of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), effective sincelast August, as a milestone in the bilateral ties.

Currently, the EU is Vietnam’s fifth largest tradepartner, third biggest importer, a major investor and leading non-refundableaid provider.

Along with economic and trade collaboration – themain pillar of the partnership – many other cooperative areas have also madeprogress over the past time, notably the signing of the EU-Vietnam FrameworkAgreement on Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation (FPA), and the ForestLaw Enforcement, Governance and Trade Voluntary Partnership Agreement(VGA/FLEGT).

Vietnam and other ASEAN member countries wish thatthe EU will play a more active and constructive role in the region, for peaceand prosperity, promoting multilateralism, free trade and the rule of law, hesaid.
As ASEAN Chair 2020, Vietnam has raised its voiceand made marked contributions, according to the official.

The country has also successfully performed its roleas a non-permanent member the United Nations Security Council for the 2020-2021tenure, and the Chair of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA).

For its part, the EU has stepped up its close andcomprehensive cooperation with ASEAN and its member countries, includingVietnam, and has clearly and strongly affirmed its stance on issues relating tonavigation security, legal order, peace and stability in the East Sea, Dungsaid.

During the 30 years of cooperation and development,the relationship between Vietnam and the EU has made long-term strides on thebasis of strategic, in-depth strategic visions, towards higher level, hestressed./.