(VOVWORLD) - Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong has called on Vietnam and Germany to strengthen political ties, exchange delegations, especially high-level ones, and promote relations between the Communist Party of Vietnam and political parties in Germany, including the ruling Social Democratic Party (SPD).
 Party leader Nguyen Phu Trong talks by phone with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, March 31, 2022 (Photo: VTV) |
During a phone conversation with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Thursday, Mr. Trong suggested that both countries boost cooperation in investment, trade, science, technology, education, defense and security. He also asked that the German Government continue to pay attention to creating favorable conditions for the life and work of Vietnamese people in Germany.
Party leader Trong and Chancellor Scholz exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual concern and agreed to direct the promotion of cooperation in areas of their shared interest. Both leaders agreed on the necessity of maintaining peace, stability, cooperation, development and respect for international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Chancellor Scholz expressed Germany's position on the situation in Ukraine. In this regard, Mr Trong affirmed that Vietnam's consistent policy is to respect the basic principles of the United Nations, including respect for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries, peacefully settling international disputes, without the use of force or the threat of force. He said he hopes that relevant parties will promote dialogue and negotiation to end conflict and restore peace on the basis of respecting the legitimate interests of the parties and in accordance with international law.
Chancellor Scholz said Germany values the flourishing German-Vietnamese strategic partnership, which has great potential for continued strong development. He suggested that the two countries boost bilateral political cooperation and at international forums, strengthen economic cooperation, including capitalizing on the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), promote German projects in Vietnam, respond to climate change, and fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong invited German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to visit Vietnam and the invitation was accepted with pleasure.