(VOVworld)-Vietnam attaches importance to increasing cooperation with the European Union (EU). Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, who is on an official visit to Belgium and the EU, made the affirmation at his meeting with European Council President Herman Van Rompuy on Thursday. The two agreed on many measures to boost relations between Vietnam and the EU including exchanging visits at different levels; speeding adopting a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Vietnam and the EU; and establishing a political consultation mechanism at the deputy minister level.

Vietnam-EU comprehensive partnership boosted

Vietnam expressed its hope that the EU will soon acknowledge  Vietnam’s  market economy status, creating more favorable conditions for businesses on both sides to invest and trade effectively in each other markets, increasing cooperation in education and training, healthcare, science technology and other areas. EC President Herman Van Rompuy spoke highly of the role of Vietnam and the renewal policies and achievements of Vietnam over the years, expressing his desire to consolidate the friendly and cooperative ties between Vietnam and the EU. President Van Rompuy stressed the importance of the EU—ASEAN relationship, saying that the EU is committed to solving all disputed issues peacefully, based on international law, and quickly finalize a Code of Conduct (COC).

Earlier, Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong held talks with European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso. Barroso stressed that the commission  always treasures its cooperative relationship with Vietnam, a country that plays an important role in ASEAN. Trong’s visit to the EU is expected to enhance bilateral ties.