(VOVWORLD) - Vietnam always treasures and prioritizes the development of relations with Germany, President Vo Thuong said during talks in Hanoi on Tuesday with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who is on a 2-day state visit to Vietnam.
 President Vo Thuong and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier meet reporters following talks in Hanoi on January 23, 2024. (Photo: VNA) |
President Thuong asked that Germany help Vietnam enhance relations with the EU, soon approve the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), and push the European Commission (EC) to promptly remove its yellow card on Vietnam's seafood.
“In the spirit of mutual trust and understanding, the German President and I conducted a comprehensive review of the multifaceted cooperation between our two countries and agreed on major directions and measures,” said President Thuong.
“We will continue to strengthen bilateral relations in traditional areas of cooperation and expand into new areas. We will enhance the exchange of delegations at all levels through all channels. We will act together for the happiness of the people of both countries, for regional and global peace, cooperation, and development."
President Thuong proposed that Germany continue to provide official development assistance (ODA) to Vietnam in priority areas such as energy, the environment, and vocational training, and support the Vietnamese community in Germany.
He also asked Germany, together with other G7 countries and international partners, to help Vietnam in institution building, financial resources, and human resource development in implementing the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).
President Steinmeier said that Germany will continue to closely coordinate with and support Vietnam in implementing the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.
Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in security and defense, science and technology, and agriculture.
They pledged mutual support at regional and multilateral forums and reiterated the importance of maintaining peace, stability, freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea, and resolving disputes through peaceful means in accordance with international law.
After the talks, the two Presidents witnessed the signing of a labor cooperation agreement between the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs of Vietnam and the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs of Germany.