Vietnamese National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue receives  the European Parliament Delegation for Relations with the Countries of Southeast Asia and ASEAN (DASE) led by its Chairman Daniel Caspary (Photo: VNA)

During his reception in Hanoi on Monday for the European Parliament Delegation for Relations with the Countries of Southeast Asia and ASEAN (DASE) led by its Chairman Daniel Caspary, Chairman Hue spoke highly of positive and significant outcomes in the Vietnam-EU relationship across the pillars of politics, diplomacy, economy-trade-investment, agro-forestry-fisheries, national defense-security, development cooperation and human rights dialogue.

Vietnam always supports the strengthening of ASEAN-EU strategic partnership, Hue said adding that Vietnam  and its National Assembly are ready to play an active role in this process, he said.

Stressing that both sides have been experiencing extremely challenging times due to COVID-19 and global conflicts, Caspary believed that in such context, the EU-Vietnam ties will play an increasingly important role. He expressed his expectations that two-way trade will continue to increase in the future, and parliamentary cooperation plays a crucial role in the overall cooperative relationship between the EU and Vietnam.

DASE members said mutual visits and delegations exchanges will contribute to raising mutual understanding, trust and closer ties, bringing prosperity to the people on both sides. The consistent rise in bilateral trade volume over time demonstrates the importance of the EVFTA.

They expressed their interest in the fisheries sector, policies promoting the development of Vietnam's regions while ensuring the quality of growth, solutions and orientations to building eco-friendly energy programs.

On regional and global issues of shared concern, Hue suggested that the EU continue playing an active role and contribute with concrete actions to ensure the rule of law, freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea. He also urged for enhanced cooperation between the EU and ASEAN on this matter.

Caspary said the EU is making efforts to seek approval from the remaining countries' parliaments for the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).

He hoped that the EU’s "Global Gateway" initiative will contribute to a strong connection between the EU and ASEAN, as well as between the people of both blocs. The Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership (ASEP) meeting, scheduled to take place in Europe this year, will provide an opportunity for both sides to engage in discussions and exchanges to further boost collaboration.