(VOVworld) – Belgian Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo held an official reception for Vietnamese Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong at Egmont Palace in Brussels on Friday. Following the reception, the two leaders agreed to continue strengthening the multi-faceted cooperation between the two countries, especially at international forums.

Vietnamese Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong

Prime Minister Di Rupo praised Vietnam’s contributions to regional cooperation and development and its reform policies and achievements in recent years. He insisted that Vietnam is a top foreign nation priority for Belgium. The Prime Minister said Belgium respects Vietnam’s status in ASEAN, especially its coordinating role in ASEAN – EU relations. He hoped Vietnam will continue to facilitate Belgium’s and the EU’s relations with ASEAN.

Mr. Trong said Vietnam respects Belgium’s status in the EU and in the world. Vietnam considers Belgium an important partner and a bridge for Vietnam’s relations with the EU and its member countries.

After the talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of cooperative agreements including an MoU financing activities to respond to climate change and the construction of Dinh Vu port in Hai Phong city.

Later in the day, Mr. Trong met with the Presidents of Belgium’s Senate and Lower House and the Governor of Brussels.