Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel, during their phone talks on September 15, showed their elation at the development of Vietnam-Germany relations over the past 45 years as well as of the bilateral strategic partnership in the past decade.

 Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc hold phone talks with his German counterpart
Angela Merkel on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of Vietnam – Germany
diplomatic ties (Photo: VGP)

Their phone conversation came on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of Vietnam – Germany diplomatic ties (September 23, 1975, 2020).

PM Phuc told his German counterpart that Vietnam greatly values its strategic partnership with Germany, a country with a leading role and position in Europe and the world.

The two leaders consented to intensify the exchange of delegations, especially those at high level when conditions permit, and work closely together to effectively carry out the Vietnam – Germany strategic action plan approved last year and further deepen the bilateral relationship in the time to come.

The Vietnamese Government leader thanked the German Chancellor, Government, partners and friends for supporting the Vietnam – EU ties over the past years, especially accelerating the signing and ratification of the EU – Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the EU – Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement, thus opening up opportunities and prospects for both sides to fuel growth after the pandemic.

He suggested the German Government incentivize German businesses to expand cooperation with Vietnam in areas of their strength and priority such as mechanical engineering, support industry, smart infrastructure, renewable energy, vocational training, and labour cooperation.

Vietnam always welcomes German investors to the country to grasp plenty of opportunities amid the shift of supply and investment chains in the region, he said.

The German Chancellor rejoiced over the taking effect of the EVFTA that marks an important milestone in bilateral ties in both economic and strategic terms and congratulated Vietnam on its success in containing the coronavirus pandemic and thanked the nation for presenting masks to her country.

PM Phuc thanked the German Government for supporting the textile industry of several countries hit by the pandemic, including Vietnam. He assured Vietnam’s readiness to continue partnering with Germany in pandemic control and vaccine production while promoting trade, travelling and economic recovery.

Both sides applauded the two countries' close coordination and mutual support at international forums and organisations, especially at the United Nations when both countries are non-permanent members of the UN Security Council,  based on their common concern and backing of multilateralism and enhancement of the role of the UN and other multilateral cooperation institutions.

Vietnam, as ASEAN Chair 2020, and German, as rotating Chair of the EU in the last half of 2020, pledged to continue enhancing collaboration and connectivity between the two regions, towards upgrading EU – ASEAN ties.

Appreciating the importance of the Indo-Pacific region in shaping the world order in the 21st century, Merkel affirmed that Germany will become more involved in the region. 

The Vietnamese Government chief  glowingly spoke of Germany’s recent issuance of strategic orientations for the region and the European country's active and constructive role in the region on the basis of supporting ASEAN’s central role, boosting cooperation and maintaining rules-based order.

He also underlined the significance of recent statements by ASEAN on related issues such as statements of the 53rd ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and the ASEAN Regional Forum in September this year.

The two government leaders accentuated the importance of the settlement of disputes by peaceful means in accordance with international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), as well as of joint efforts to ensure peace, stability, safety, security, maritime and aviation freedom in the region.

PM Phuc reiterated his invitation to Merkel to visit Vietnam and Merkel also invited the Vietnamese leader to visit Germany at a convenient time.