Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc affirmed Viet Nam always attaches importance to consolidating and enhancing the strategic partnership with Germany at his reception for newly-accredited Ambassador Guido Hildner in Ha Noi on Thursday. 

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) hosts reception for German Ambassador
to Viet Nam Guido Hildner at the Government Office in Ha Noi
on October 31, 2019. Photo: VGP

 The Government chief suggested both sides promptly develop the Viet Nam-German Strategic Action Plan for 2019-2021 and coordinate closely in organizing events marking the 45th founding anniversary of their diplomatic ties in 2020.

Phuc also asked the German side to continue accelerating the ratification of the Viet Nam-EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) so that the deals could come into effect soon and bring about practical benefits to the relevant parties.

Hailing Germany as one of Viet Nam’s top trading partners with the two-way trade of US$10.8 billion last year, PM Phuc challenged the diplomat to increase Germany’s investment in Viet Nam as the European country’s total investment capital remains modest with US$2 billion, ranking 4th among the biggest European investors in Viet Nam.

Phuc took the occasion to extend thanks to and call on the German Government and the European Union to continue strong support for resolution of disputes in the East Sea through peaceful means on the basis of international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Present at the reception includes Deputy Foreign Minister To Anh Dung (first from right).
Photo: VGP

For his part Ambassador Hildner said Germany expects to further deepen cooperation with Viet Nam – an important strategic partner of Germany.

This week, Germany has sent four delegations to Viet Nam to seek ways to boost economic, scientific and environmental cooperation with the Southeast Asian country, the diplomat added.

Both sides could strengthen cooperation in other fields like environment, energy and vocation training, he suggested.

Hildner reaffirmed Germany’s position of supporting peace, stability, security, safety and freedom of navigation and aviation in the East Sea on the basis of respect for international law.

The Ambassador also expressed his belief that both countries would have more opportunities to beef up bilateral cooperation next year as they take over the UNSC non-permanent membership and Viet Nam assumes the ASEAN Chairmanship and Germany assumes the Presidency of the European Council in the second half of 2020./.