At the meeting (Photo: VNA)

At the meeting, the two sides affirmed the importance of Vietnam-EU comprehensive partnership and cooperation; and assessed that the relationship in general as well as the ties between the National Assembly of Vietnam and the EP in particular have developed positively in recent years.

Udo Bullmann affirmed that the EU considers Vietnam a priority and important cooperation partner, and appreciates the nation’s development achievements as well as its role and position in multilateral organisations and forums. The EU wishes to continue working closely with Vietnam in the field of human rights, he said.

Quang stated that respecting and protecting human rights is Vietnam's consistent policy. Though a lower middle-income country, Vietnam is among countries with high human development index, which reflects the development of society and ensured human rights in Vietnam, he said. 

He noted that Vietnam has ratified seven out of the nine essential international conventions on human rights. As a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for the 2023-2025 term, Vietnam is strongly committed to multilateralism, international law and the UN Charter; and hopes to make more active, responsible and effective contributions to the concerted effort serving human rights protection and promotion, the Deputy PM said.

Most recently, the UNHRC on April 3 adopted a resolution proposed and drafted by Vietnam to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the 30th anniversary of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action (VDPA).