Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc meets with Bernd Lange, Chairman of the European Parliament’s International Trade Committee on Wednesday, October 17, 2018 (Photo: VGP/Quang Hieu)

At the meeting, Lange expressed his pleasure at the decision to send the EVFTA to the European Council for signing, calling it an important step so the parliament can begin the ratification process. He affirmed his support for cooperation between Vietnam and the EU.

During his meeting with the EP’s President Antonio Tajani the same day, Mr. Phuc praised the fruitful relations between the Vietnamese legislature and the EP, saying Vietnam considers it an important pillar of Vietnam-EU comprehensive cooperation. Mr. Tajani said the EP will make efforts to ratify the agreement in early 2019, which, he said, would benefit trade in both Europe and Asia. He said the EP will continue to support cooperation between the EU and Vietnam, as well as Vietnam’s sustainable development. He lauded cooperation between the EU and Vietnam at international forums and organizations and affirmed his support for efforts to maintain peace and security, avoid escalating tension, and respect the interests of all parties in the East Sea.