Vietnam, EU to officially conclude FTA talks next week: PM
Vietnam and the European Union (EU) will sign an agreement on the official conclusion of negotiations on a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) next week, PM Nguyen Tan Dung said.
PM Nguyen Tan Dung (L) and the Ambassador and head of the EU Delegation to Vietnam, Bruno Angelet (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam an♎d the European Union (EU) will sign an agreement on the official conclusion of negotiations on a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) during a Vietnamese leader’s working trip to the EU headquarters next week.
The information was revealed by Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung during his reception for the Ambassador and head of the EU Delegation to Vietnam, Bruno Angelet, in Hanoi on November 24.
He described the EU – Vietnam FTA, whose negotiations have been finalised in principle recently, as a milestone in promoting the two sides’ economic, trade and investment cooperation as well as their all-round partnership to a new height.
During the upcoming visit to the European Council, the European Commission and the European Parliament, the Vietnamese side will also discuss major orientations for and measures enhancing bilateral ties with the EU leaders, he noted.
The PM highlighted the progress in the Vietnam – EU relations, saying Vietnam treasures her ties with the union and wants to work with the bloc for stronger and more comprehensive collaboration.
He also asked the EU to urge its remaining member nations to approve the Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation (PCA) between the two sides as soon as possible.
At the meeting, Bruno Angelet, who was earlier the Belgian Ambassador to Vietnam, shared the view on the two sides’ thriving affiliations and expressed his belief in their brighter future.
Vietnam is one of the leading ASEAN partners of the EU. Their cooperation will be reinforced beyond economics, trade and investment up into strategic fields of politics, diplomacy and security.
The EU shares the development goals and orientations of Vietnam, which has reaped substantial development attainments in the past decades.
Meanwhile, the Southeast Asian nation is still under reforms, and the EU needs to support this process, the diplomat added.-VNA
An European Music Festival will be held from November 18-29 in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, as part of activities to mark the 25th anniversary of the EU-Vietnam diplomatic relations.
A friendship group of parliamentarians in love with Vietnam in the European Parliament (EP) with 32 members from various parties made debut in Brussels, Belgium, on November 11.
The European Union (EU) has always been an important partner of the Ministry of Health (MoH) over the past 20 years, Health Minister Nguyen Thi Kim Tien said on November 16 in Hanoi.
Vietnam and the European Union (EU) boast substantial potential for cooperation, especially after the two officially sign and realise the bilateral free trade agreement.
The European Union (EU) is committed to collaborating with the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank and other sponsors to assist Vietnam in climate change adaptation.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
The launch of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, even before the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is considered a testament to President Ho Chi Minh’s strategic foresight and strong belief in the guiding power of the revolutionary media.
New Zealand is currently one of Vietnam’s most important partners in the region, marked by a high level of political trust, strong and reliable defence and security cooperation, and increasingly open economic, trade, and investment ties.
Party General Secretary To Lam stressed that the Central Public Security Party Committee must be fully aware of the extremely important role of the People's Public Security force in the country's new revolutionary phase, so as to guide each branch and level of the force as the nation undergoes transformation.
Addressing concerns over university education spending, Son explained that as public universities gain greater autonomy, the Ministry of Finance has scaled back recurrent state funding. “Over the past decade, as autonomy has increased, the State's support has steadily declined”, he noted
Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane affirmed that the presence of Vietnamese press offices in Laos vividly demonstrates the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations, as the press is not only a means of communication but also an important bridge for spreading consciousness about the history, values, and strategic depth of the Laos – Vietnam relationship to the people of both countries and the international community.
The country is willing to participate in collective efforts to promote cooperation and mobilise resources to advance the current priority issues of developing countries, such as trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, making the most of scientific and technological advances for development, and people-to-people exchanges, Hang said.
During the negotiations, the US highly evaluated Vietnam’s goodwill and efforts, affirmed its appreciation for the bilateral relationship, acknowledged Vietnam’s proposals and concerns, and considered these an important basis for continuing discussions and moving towards a final agreement.
The Chairman stressed the need for stricter fiscal discipline, faster digital transformation, and more efficient management of State budget revenues and expenditures.
The ministry has instructed Vietnamese representative agencies in Israel, Iran, as well as those in neighbouring countries, to closely monitor the situation and request local authorities to ensure absolute safety for Vietnamese citizens living, studying, and working in high-risk areas.
Senior Vietnamese leaders on June 19 sent letters of congratulations to New Zealand leaders on the occasion of the 50th founding anniversary of Vietnam – New Zealand diplomatic relations (June 19, 1975 – 2025).
The Party chief attributed the achievements in the first half to the continuous, direct, and comprehensive leadership of the Politburo and the Secretariat of the Party Central Committee, and the close and effective coordination of relevant ministries, sectors and localities.
General Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chief of the VPA’s General Staff and Deputy Minister of National Defence reaffirmed Vietnam’s unwavering gratitude for Cuba’s invaluable support during its struggle for independence and nation-building efforts, and pledged to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Cuba as it navigates current challenges.