Vietnam has always considered the European Union (EU) as a strategic, comprehensive and important partner, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has said. While receiving Czech Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Jan Kohout, Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt and European Commissioner (EC) in charge of External Relations Benita Ferrero Waldner in Hanoi on May 25. PM Dung also said that Vietnam wishes to boost its cooperation with EU members and the EC on the basis of mutual respect and for the benefit of both parties.
The foreign ministers thanked PM Dung and expressed their pleasure at the achievements Vietnam has made during the renewal process, especially in improving its people’s standard of living. They praised Vietnam’s preparations for the 9th ASEM Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, adding that they hope that Vietnam will actively take part in the meeting’s agenda, especially in the fight against global climate change.
The foreign ministers futhermore expressed the hope that Vietnam will complete negotiations on its Partnership Comprehensive Agreement (PCA) with the EU. From now until 2010, Vietnam will make every effort to complete the PCA negotiations with the EU, PM Dung assured his guests. He also welcomed the agenda of the 9th ASEM Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, confirming that Vietnam, as the host, will do its best to contribute to the meeting’s success.
