(VOVworld) – The Belgian e-newspaper NewEurope ran an interview with Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung Tuesday about his official visit to Belgium and the EU from October 12^th to 14^th. Entitled “Vietnam welcomes all countries to strengthen cooperation”, the interview conveyed PM Nguyen Tan Dung’s message to the EU that Viet Nam always attaches importance to and wishes to promote its comprehensive partnership with the EU. He said the EU is a leading partner of Viet Nam in many areas including politics, trade, development, and cooperation on global issues. Viet Nam – EU relations are entering a phase of maturity and are ready to achieve greater substance and efficiency. Mr. Dung said the signing of the PCA stands as vivid testimony to the strong development of relations between Viet Nam and the EU over 25 years. He added that the signing of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) and start negotiations on the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in June, 2012, indicated a vigorous and substantial growth of Viet Nam – EU relations.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung (L) is welcomed by EU Council President Herman Van Rompuy (R), prior to a meeting at the EU Council in Brussels, Belgium, 13 October 2014. Photo: EPA/JULIEN WARNAND

Prime Minister Dung said Vietnam is stepping up efforts to restructure state-owned enterprises. Viet Nam will help foreign and domestic investors buy shares. Furthermore, Vietnam will attract foreign investment by creating a level playing field and improving relations on foreign investment.

Mr. Dung reiterated Vietnam’s consistent stance of defending its national sovereignty and legitimate interests in the East Sea in accordance with international law. He stressed that Vietnam is sincerely wishes friendly neighborliness and comprehensive cooperation with China.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung said Viet Nam welcomes all countries, especially major powers like the US, to strengthen cooperation with the Asia - Pacific nations. He made the remark while responding to a question about the development of relations between Vietnam and the United States, especially in the area of defense, following the partial removal of a US arms embargo.

Mr. Dung also answered a question about plans for constructing big dams in Mekong that threaten large parts of Vietnam’s population and will dramatically affect Vietnam’s agriculture sector. He said Viet Nam wants all countries concerned to collaborate closely in studying thoroughly the impacts of hydropower projects on the Mekong River before implementing any project. He called on these countries to work closely together to achieve a fair, reasonable exploitation of resources in the Mekong Basin to protect the ecosystem, contribute to the sustainable development of the entire region, and generate benefits for all the people who live there.