Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (R) and President of the Portuguese Parliament Eduardo Ferro Rodrigues.

Mr. Minh made the statement at Thursday’s talk with President of the Portuguese Parliament Eduardo Ferro Rodrigues in Lisbon.

Mr. Minh, who will conclude his two-day visit to Portugal on Friday, praised Portugal’s role in the EU as well as in addressing common issues of the international community.

He asked Portugal’s parliament to encourage Portuguese enterprises to expand business and investment in Vietnam, affirming that Vietnam always creates favorable conditions for foreign firms.

Mr. Rodrigues praised Vietnam’s role and position in Southeast Asia, asserting that the Portuguese parliament backs economic, trade, culture, and tourism cooperation with Vietnam. He said that Portugal is ready to share its legislative and oversight experience with the Vietnamese National Assembly, and will support the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement.