German FM Eyes Stronger Ties with Vietnam
German FM Frank-Walter Steinmeier spoke highly of Viet Nam’s rising role and position in the region while affirming that German Government expects stronger cooperation with the Southeast Asian country in various fields.
The German FM, who is on a two-day official visit to Viet Nam, noted that the country has gained numerous achievements in socio-economic development and international integration during his talks with Deputy PM, FM Pham Binh Minh in Ha Noi on October 31.
Both sides agreed to foster the exchange of delegations, especially high-level ones, continue the foreign ministerial level strategic management group, and coordinate closely in deploying the annual action plan between the two countries.
The two sides agreed to further encourage and create favorable conditions for German businesses to invest in Viet Nam, particularly in manufacturing, high-tech, clean energy, infrastructure, finance-banking areas.
The two countries vowed to accelerate the official signing of the Viet Nam-EU free trade agreement in a bid to raise the two-way trade value to US$20 billion by 2020.
Deputy PM, FM Minh took the occasion to extend thanks to the German Government for granting official development assistance over the past years.
He called on the German investors to pour capital in such priority fields like infrastructure development, environmental protection, and climate change adaptation.
Regarding regional and international issues, Deputy PM, FM Minh and German FM Steinmeier pledged to continue close coordination and mutual support at multi-lateral forums and international organizations.
Both sides shared their concerns over the recent complicated developments in the East Sea, underlining that disputes must be settled through peaceful means with full respect for diplomatic and legal processes based on international law, especially the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
During his stay in Viet Nam, the German FM paid a courtesy call to PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc, co-chaired a roundtable meeting with Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung, attended the inauguration ceremony of German Law and European Studies at the Ha Noi University of Law, and visited some economic and cultural establishments in Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City.
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