(VOVworld) - Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc had bilateral meetings with leaders of Asian and European countries on the sidelines of the 11th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit in Ulan Bator, Mongolia, on July 15.
At a meeting with Finnish Prime Minister Juha Sipila, PM Phuc appreciated asked Finland to continue its ODA provision for Vietnam, particularly in the environment, climate change, institutional improvement, and to help Vietnam in accessing loans from the International Development Association (IDA) – a World Bank fund – beyond 2017. Both leaders agreed to strengthen collaboration at international forums such as the United Nations and the ASEM.
 |
| PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Swiss President Johann Schneider-Ammann (Photo: VNA) |
While meeting Swiss President Johann Schneider-Ammann, the Vietnamese Government leader suggested both sides coordinate to organise activities to celebrate the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties. President Johann Schneider-Ammann confirmed that Vietnam continually remains a priority in Switzerland’s ODA policy, while agreeing on the early completion of negotiations on a free trade agreement between Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).
Talking to Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, PM Phuc spoke highly of the diverse business activities of Thai enterprises in Vietnam. PM Chan-o-cha, in turn, committed to encouraging Thailand’s major companies to intensify their investment in Vietnam and pay attention to the Vietnamese side’s interests.
 |
| PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc at the meeting with President of the Republic of Korea (RoK) Park Geun-hye (Photo: VNA) |
Meanwhile, PM Phuc and President of the Republic of Korea (RoK) Park Geun-hye reached a consensus on intensifying the two countries’ trade and economic ties, seeking measures to ensure a trade balance by reducing Vietnam’s trade deficit, and encouraging more RoK businesses to invest in Vietnam.
At a meeting with Japanese PM Shinzo Abe , PM Phuc said Vietnam looks to Japan’s support toward its access to IDA loans. Abe said Japan highly values the partnership with Vietnam and will implement agreements secured by both sides in the recent visit of the Vietnamese PM to Japan.
At a meeting with his Polish counterpart Beata Szydło, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc thanked the Polish Government for providing favorable conditions to Vietnamese expatriates, adding that he hopes the support will continue in the long-term. Vietnam is committed to the efficient use of a 250 million EUR credit packet funded by Poland. Both sides agreed to maintain delegation exchanges, particularly among senior officials, and that they might soon sign a financial pact.