Vietnam, EU work to expand cooperation in priority areas
The second meeting of the political affairs sub-committee of the Joint Committee under the EU-Vietnam Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation Framework Agreement (PCA) took place virtually on April 13.
Assistant to the Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet co-chairs the meeting. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) - The second meeting of the politicalaffairs sub-committee of the Joint Committee under the EU-Vietnam ComprehensivePartnership and Cooperation Framework Agreement (PCA) took place virtually on April13.
Assistant to the Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs DoHung Viet and Deputy Managing Director for Asia and Pacific of the EuropeanExternal Action Service (EEAS) Paola Pampaloni co-chaired the event, which washeld on the occasion of Vietnam and the EU celebrating a decade of signing thePCA (June, 2012 – 2022).
The sides discussed recent notable situations and a numberof key policy orientations for socio-economic development and internationalcollaboration in their respective areas.
Lauding the bilateral ties’ progress despite COVID-19,particularly in trade-investment and pandemic-prevention cooperation, they agreedto further strengthen and expand join works during their recovery phase in suchprioritised sectors as trade-investment, sciece-technology, green transition,digital transformation, innovation, agriculture and security-defence.
They also discussed the promotion of cooperation atmultilateral forums like the UN and the Asia-Europe Forum (ASEM) as well as theframeworks of the Mekong sub-region cooperation and of the ASEAN – EU strategicpartnership./.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien had a meeting with visiting Executive Vice President of the European Commission (EC) Frans Timmermans in Hanoi on February 18, during which the two sides sought cooperation orientations in the future, especially in energy and power transformation.
The Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam (DAV) and the delegation of the European Union (EU) in Vietnam held the EU-Mekong Cooperation Forum on March 16 in both in-person and virtual forms.
Vietnam always considers the EU one of its most important partners, with the comprehensive partnership and cooperation, particularly between their parliaments, obtaining many achievements for the sake of their people and for peace, collaboration and development in the two continents and the world.
Chief Justice of the Supreme People's Court Nguyen Hoa Binh hosted a reception for Ambassador Giorgio Aliberti, Head of the European Union Delegation to Vietnam, and Rana Flowers, Acting UN Resident Coordinator and UNICEF Representative in Vietnam.
Stronger efforts and determination are required to achieve and surpass the set targets, especially in the eradication of makeshift and dilapidated houses nationwide, the acceleration of public investment disbursement, and the implementation of nationally important transport projects, PM Pham Minh Chinh noted.
The trip will be made at the invitations of Chinese Premier Li Qiang and WEF President and CEO Børge Brende, according to an announcement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Long spoke highly of the dynamic, positive, and comprehensive development of Vietnam – Russia relations in recent years. He affirmed that the Vietnamese Party and State place great importance on further strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia in a substantive and effective manner, in line with the development needs of both nations.
At the conference, participants reported that the Government has so far issued 28 decrees on the delegation of responsibilities and powers between the central Government and two-tier local administrations. Several localities have already piloted the new governance model.
Reality is the ultimate benchmark for success, he said, urging drafting agencies to work out policies that foster development, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and respect practical conditions.
Under the official dispatch signed on June 20, ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, and chairpersons of provincial and municipal People’s Committees are requested to concentrate efforts on implementing core measures to ensure the smooth operations of the new administrative framework.
The Party chief underscored the need for the press to innovate relentlessly, evolve to keep pace with the country's development, transform into a truly professional, humanistic, and modern sector that serves the cause of the Party, the State, and the people on the path to national construction and development.
The UN Secretary-General praised Vietnam’s remarkable achievements in socio-economic development and international integration in recent years, noting that the country has emerged as a model in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting international peace and security, and engaging in key UN processes.
Nghia affirmed that this is a milestone of special significance, affirming and honouring the the Vietnamese revolutionary press’s glorious tradition of 100 years of serving the revolutionary cause of the Party, serving the Fatherland, and serving the people.
The Party and State of Vietnam always attach great importance to and give top priority to the development of Vietnam–China relations. Vietnam is ready to work with the Chinese Party and State to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and promote the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV, President Cuong said, the press has been a steadfast force on the ideological and cultural front, rallying the masses to pursue national aspirations.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
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.
Assistant to the Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet co-chairs the meeting. (Photo: VNA) 
