Effectively implementing many important cooperation agreements between Vietnam and Europe
President of the European Parliament (EP) David Sassoli affirmed that EVFTA is an exemplary model of cooperation and said that the EP has approved the EVIPA Investment Protection Agreement and is urging the parliaments of the remaining member states to ratify it.
On the afternoon of September 8 local time, National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue had talks with President of the European Parliament (EP) David Sassoli.
EP President David Sassoli was pleased to welcome National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue and the high-ranking delegation of the Vietnamese National Assembly, who chose the EP as the destination for his first working trip as Chairman of the Vietnamese National Assembly.
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| National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue holds talks with President of the European Parliament David Sassoli. |
President David Sassoli highly appreciated Vietnam's role in the region, emphasizing that the EP and Vietnam share interests in many areas and expressed his wish to strengthen cooperation with Vietnam in all aspects such as trade and investment, prevention of the Covid-19 pandemic, response to climate change including challenges to water resources, the ongoing salinity intrusion and drought on the Mekong River seriously affecting production and the lives of people in the region.
The National Assembly Chairman affirmed that the EU is a leading important partner in Vietnam's foreign policy and international integration.
The two sides maintained high-level contacts, signed and effectively implemented many important cooperation agreements (PCA, EVFTA, FPA, FLEGT), maintained periodic cooperation and dialogue mechanisms, contributing to bringing the Vietnam - EU Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation to a new level, including cooperation between the Vietnamese National Assembly and the EP.
At the talks, the two sides discussed a series of issues to strengthen and deepen relations between the two parliaments, contributing to promoting the strong development of Vietnam - EU relations for the benefit of both sides.
To promote comprehensive economic and trade relations, the National Assembly Chairman expressed his hope that the EP would have a voice so that parliaments of countries that have not yet ratified the EVIPA will soon ratify this important agreement to promote investment cooperation, meet the needs and interests of businesses, and continue to create conditions for the most effective implementation of the EVFTA.
Regarding cooperation in the fight against Covid-19, the Chairman of the Vietnamese National Assembly thanked the EP, representatives of relevant EU agencies and Parliamentarian groups at the EP for accompanying, supporting and helping Vietnam in the fight against the pandemic. Sharing the EP's view that "only solidarity, sharing and belief in victory" will help people soon overcome the consequences of the pandemic and return to a new normal life.
In particular, due to the increasingly complicated pandemic, it requires strengthening inter-regional (ASEAN - EU) and global cooperation to continue protecting the achievements of economic and social development.
National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue also expressed his hope that the EP would actively support vaccine supply from Europe, through the COVAX mechanism, share “surplus” vaccines, support the provision of essential medical supplies and equipment, Covid-19 treatment drugs, and cooperate in vaccine production. Vietnam is ready to prepare in all aspects to become a vaccine production center in the region.
The National Assembly Chairman asked the EP to support the removal of the IUU yellow card for Vietnam's fisheries, helping to ensure the livelihoods of Vietnamese fishermen. The National Assembly Chairman affirmed that Vietnam has made great efforts to implement many synchronous measures to overcome this situation and has achieved very positive results.
Regarding bilateral cooperation through parliamentary channels, the National Assembly Chairman said that the positive results achieved in recent times need to be promoted, the two sides need to increase contacts at all levels and in that spirit, respectfully invite the EP President to visit Vietnam to discuss issues of concern, study and establish cooperation frameworks between the Vietnamese National Assembly and the EP that are substantive, effective, and commensurate with the current strategic relationship.
The EP President acknowledged Vietnam's proposals and affirmed that the EVFTA is an exemplary cooperation model, saying that the EP has approved the EVIPA Investment Protection Agreement and is urging the parliaments of the remaining member states to ratify it.
The EP shares Vietnam's current difficulties and will make efforts to mobilize vaccines and medical equipment to serve Vietnam's Covid-19 prevention and control work as soon as possible.
The two leaders agreed that the relationship between the Vietnamese National Assembly and the EP is developing positively on both bilateral and multilateral channels. Amid the pandemic, the two sides have maintained online contact with meetings to discuss the implementation of the EVFTA and international issues.
The two sides also agreed to promote delegation exchanges at all levels, information exchange and experience sharing in parliamentary activities, including legislative work.
During the talks, the two sides also discussed issues related to peace, security and cooperation in the world and emphasized the role of international law and UNCLOS 1982 in resolving disputes and maintaining security, safety, freedom of navigation and aviation. The two sides also agreed to closely coordinate and actively contribute to regional and international multilateral forums.
Immediately after the talks, the National Assembly Chairman received the Chairman of the International Trade Committee (INTA), a number of parliamentarians from the EU-ASEAN Friendship Parliamentarians Group (DASE) and the EP Friendship Parliamentarians Group. The parties discussed measures to enhance specific cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including trade and the implementation of the EVFTA./.