(VOVworld) - The Vietnam – EU relationship progressed significantly in 2012 with a number of political and economic events. The achievements of last year boosted bilateral relations to a higher level after more than 20 years of diplomatic ties. VOV reporter Hong Van sheds light on milestones in the Vietnam – EU relationship in 2012.
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| Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung welcomes EC President Herman Van Rompuy in Vietnam |
Vietnam and the EU signed a Partnership Cooperation Agreement (PCA) during Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh’s visit to the EU in 2012. The PCA is vivid evidence of the comprehensive and in-depth development of bilateral relations after more than 20 years of diplomatic ties on a par with the EU’s status in the 21st century and Vietnam’s increasing position after its 25 years of renewal and international integration. Minister Minh said the PCA reflects the harmonious interests and priorities of both sides, comparing it to the Framework Agreement Vietnam signed with the European Commission in 1995. “The PCA has expanded to sectors that Vietnam needs including science and technology and education and training. Through the PCA, the EU will cooperate with Vietnam on global issues such as climate change and the non-traditional security challenges of terrorism and weapons of mass destruction.
Last year, Vietnam received numerous high-level delegations – members of the European Council on Cooperation and Development, the Director General for External Relations of the EU, and EC President Herman Van Rompuy at the invitation of President Truong Tan Sang. It was the first visit by an EC President to Vietnam since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1990. During the visit, the two sides agreed to continue strengthening multi-faceted cooperation, exchanging high-level visits, and offering incentives for enterprises to do long-term business in each country, especially in industry, infrastructure, transport, energy, finance, healthcare, tourism and services. Vietnam and the EU identified cooperation priorities from 2014 to 2020 focusing on poverty reduction, sustainable development, environmental protection, and responding to climate change. The two sides consented to support the effort to build peace, stability, cooperation and friendship in Southeast Asia stressing the importance of maintaining security, safety, and maritime freedom in the East Sea. EC President Herman Van Rompuy said: “Vietnam is an particularly important partner for the EU in Asia. The EU will stand firmly on Vietnam’s side on its socio-economic development process. We are committed to keeping our market open. EU investment can and will continue to make contributions to the future of Vietnam and its people. We’ll continue our development assistance. We are strong stake in the success of Vietnam’s reform. Vietnam succeeds it will benefit the region and its friends all over the world.”
2012 saw many important economic and trade cooperation results between Vietnam and the EU. Despite many difficulties due to the global financial crisis, EU – Vietnam bilateral trade reached 18 billion USD by August last year. 20 of 27 EU countries have invested in 1,200 projects in Vietnam with a total capital of 18 billion USD. Last year, the two sides conducted the first round of the Free Trade Agreement negotiation, which generated a basis for future trade cooperation. Ambassador - Head of the EU Delegation in Vietnam Franz Jessen said: “In term of the EU-Vietnam relations, the crisis has not heard our relationship. In the contrary we saw, this year so far, strong flows of trade from Vietnam to the EU and from the EU to Vietnam. We are good partner, we should do more for our relations.”
Through their leaders’ political determination and achievements over the last 23 years, especially in 2012, Vietnam and the EU will have the momentum to enhance their relations in all sectors.
Hong Van