(VOVworld) – Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung held talks with Chancellor Angela Merkel following the welcoming ceremony on Wednesday as part of his official visit to Germany.
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They discussed specific ways to boost the two countries’ strategic partnership. At a joint press conference, they agreed to increase contacts at all levels to consolidate political trust and mutual understanding. Vietnam and Germany will cooperate to celebrate the 40th anniversary of their diplomatic ties next year. The two Prime Ministers said their governments will create favorable conditions for Vietnamese and German businesses to promote cooperation in renewable energy, pharmaceutical chemistry, manufacturing, consumption goods, and agricultural and aquatic products. The two Prime Ministers agreed to increase bilateral cooperation in education, training, judiciary, science, and technology. Prime Minister Dung proposed that Germany continue ODA for Vietnam in the areas of energy, the environment and vocational training and support the Vietnamese community in Germany and the teaching of Vietnamese.
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Based on their strategic partnership, Germany supports Vietnam in strengthening comprehensive cooperation with the EU. Chacellor Merkel said the German government supports the early completion of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement and the EU’s recognition of Vietnam’s market economy status. The two Prime Ministers stressed that the EU-Vietnam FTA is an important agreement, which will open a vast cooperation area for both sides. They also agreed to increase coordination at international and multilateral forums.
The two Prime Ministers discussed regional and global issues of mutual concern including the peaceful settlement of disputes in the East Sea in accordance with international law, the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea.