(VOVWORLD) - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held phone talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Monday to discuss ways to make the Vietnam-Germany Strategic Partnership more substantive, effective and comprehensive, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties.
 Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh holds phone talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on ways to promote the Vietnam-Germany Strategic Partnership. (photo: VGP/Nhat Bac) |
The Vietnamese leader called on Germany to continue with the effective implementation of the EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), soon ratify the EU–Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), and further facilitate business and investment ties between the two countries. He also proposed sci-tech and innovation as a new pillar of collaboration.
Chancellor Merz said Germany values its Strategic Partnership with Vietnam and wants to expand cooperation in strategic areas such as green economy, energy transition, circular economy, supporting industries and logistics services, he said. He inquired about the recent storms and flooding situation in Vietnam and its disaster recovery efforts.
Both PMs agreed to upgrade bilateral ties to a higher level soon, increase high-level exchanges, make better use of existing cooperation mechanisms and push for the establishment of joint working groups in economic, political and labour fields. The two sides also committed to boosting cooperation in trade, investment, green finance, renewable energy, digital transformation, sustainable development, supporting industries, digital economy, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and transport.
PM Chinh asked Germany to continue supporting the Vietnamese community in Germany, aiding their integration and contributions to both the host country and bilateral ties. He also pushed for expanded vocational training and recruitment of skilled Vietnamese workers to meet labour market demands in both nations.