(VOVworld) – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh affirmed that Vietnam has always attached great importance to developing relations with the EU.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh received Chief Operating Officer of the European External Action Service, David O’Sullivan (Photo: VOV)

While receiving the Chief Operating Officer of the European External Action Service (EEAS), David O’Sullivan, on Wednesday in Hanoi, Mr. Minh said Vietnam highly appreciated the EU’s support for Vietnam and was exerting efforts so that the two sides could complete the Free Trade Agreement this year. The EU is now one of the leading trade partners, investors and ODA providers for Vietnam. David O’Sullivan confirmed that the EU would continue to foster cooperation with Vietnam, considering it an important partner in the Asia Pacific region. He confirmed the EU’s continuous commitment to assisting Vietnam in economic development, and poverty reduction. The EU will support Vietnam at regional and global forums, including the implementation of prioritized areas under the Vietnam-EU Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, increase development aids for Vietnam and accelerate negotiations on Bilateral Free Trade.