Deputy PM: Vietnam treasures strategic partnership with Germany

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh has affirmed that Vietnam always treasures its strategic partnership with Germany - a leading partner of Vietnam in Europe.

Deputy PM Pham Binh Minh and Vice President of the German Bundestag Hans-Peter Friedrich (Photo: VNA)
Deputy PM Pham Binh Minh and Vice President of the German Bundestag Hans-Peter Friedrich (Photo: VNA)

During a meeting with Vice President of the German Bundestag (Parliament) Hans-Peter Friedrich in Berlin, Minh spoke highly of the effective cooperation between the Vietnamese and German legislatures.

Hailing the German Bundestag and the German-ASEAN Parliamentary Friendship Group in the Bundestag for closely monitoring the East Sea situation, he proposed Germany to continue raising strong voice in support of Vietnam and ASEAN’s legitimate stance on the peaceful settlement of disputes in line with international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), refraining from use of force, full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties (DOC) in the East Sea towards early formulation of a Code of Conduct (COC) in the East Sea.

Minh took this occasion to suggest the German Bundestag continue support the provision of official development assistance (ODA) for Vietnam.

Friedrich, for his part, expressed his satisfaction about the growing ties between the two law-making agencies and wished that the Vietnam – Germany strategic partnership will further thrive.

The two officials highlighted the importance of the European Union-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and agreed to prompt the EU to soon sign and approve the deal for the interest of the business communities of both nations.

They also shared the important role of multilateral mechanisms and respect for international law in maintaining peace and stability in the region and the world as well.

During a working session on February 20 with German Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy Peter Altmaier, Minh lauded Germany as the top trade partner of Vietnam in the European Union and welcomed German investors in Vietnam.

For his part, Altmaier expressed high appreciation for potential of bilateral economic, trade and investment ties, Vietnam’s position in regional and global economic connectivity.