Vietnamese Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton signed the Partnership and Co-operation Agreement between Viet Nam and the EU at the EU headquarters in Brussels yesterday.

Vietnamese Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton

The PCA is expected to open up opportunities for co-operation between Viet Nam and the EU in areas such as science and technology, education and training, agro-forestry and fisheries, natural disaster prevention and mitigation. According to the Foreign Ministry, it determination to further enhance cooperation in addressing global issues such as anti-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, fighting terrorism and organized crimes and climate change adaptation. The same day, minister Minh and EU High Representative Catherine Ashton held talks as part of the former's official visit to the EU.

The host affirmed that the EU values Viet Nam's increasing role in the region, and the world, and wishes to enhance bilateral cooperation and cooperation at regional and international forums. Earlier, Minister Minh met with President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy, who promised to pay an official visit to Viet Nam on the occasion of attending the 9th ASEM Summit in Laos in November.