Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc receives Vice President of the European Commission and High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini in Hanoi, August 5, 2019.  (Photo: VGP)

The PM spoke highly of the signing of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), and proposed the European Parliament soon ratify the pacts so that both sides can realize their cooperation opportunities. The Vietnamese Prime Minister also recommended the EU continue assisting Vietnam in implementing measures to remove the “yellow card” warning on Vietnamese seafood and fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Besides, he suggested the EU create favorable conditions for Vietnamese businesses to expand their markets in the EU.

Mr. Phuc said Vietnam applauds the EU’s stance on supporting freedom, security and safety of navigation in the East Sea, asking the EU to maintain its viewpoint on respect for international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Ms. Mogherini praised the development of Vietnam-EU ties in recent years saying it helps consolidate the EU’s relations with ASEAN. She highlighted her expectations about the EVFTA and the EVIPA, saying the deals lay the foundations for the two sides to step up bilateral relations in the future.