At the meeting, Ngan welcomed Mogherini in her first official visit to Vietnam, while expressing her pleasure at the new development in the comprehensive partnership and cooperation between Vietnam and EU.
The two sides signed a EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and a EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), as well as implementing multiple cooperation mechanisms, such as a joint committee model to implement the Vietnam-EU Partnership and a Cooperation Framework Agreement (PCA) and the Vietnam-EU Human Rights Dialogue, in addition to the approval and immediate implementation after the Voluntary Partnership Agreement on Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (VPA/FLEGT) taking effect.
The host affirmed that Vietnam always considers the EU as one of their most important partners, especially in the fields of economics, trade and investment.
NA Chairwoman Ngan said that following the adoption of a resolution approving Vietnam's accession to Convention 98 of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) last June, the Vietnamese NA is cooperating with the Government to push forewords the review and approval of the ILO’s Conventions 108 and 87 and the Revised Labour Code, showing Vietnam's determination and efforts to implement its commitments related to the labour standards stated in the EVFTA, as well as to fulfil its obligations as an ILO member.
Expressing her optimism about the prospect of Vietnam-EU relations in the future, the top legislator wished that the European Parliament (EP) and the EU member countries would soon approve the EVFTA and EVIPA to realise the commitments of both sides for free trade and investment with strategic benefits for both Vietnam and the EU. Ngan also informed her guest that she has asked the Government to complete the procedures for the NA to ratify the two agreements this coming October.
She also stated that Vietnam would actively consider signing a Framework Participation Agreement (FPA) with the EU to establish Vietnam’s participation framework in the bloc’s crisis management activities.
For her part, Mogherini affirmed her continuous support to Vietnam when it takes on the role of ASEAN Chair in 2020, as a non-permanent seat of the UN Security Council for the 2020-2021 term and the chair of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA).
Mogherini said that in the UN Security Council mechanism, the EU and Vietnam have coordinated on multiple issues and expressed the stance of both parties. Therefore, when Vietnam takes on these roles, it would be a good opportunity for the EU and its member countries to further promote cooperation with Vietnam and ASEAN within the frameworks of ASEAN and the UN.
Ngan and Mogherini agreed that the signing and approving of multiple legal documents and high frequency of visits by leaders of the two sides have shown the priorities in bilateral relations in each side’s foreign policy while at the same time creating an increasingly solid foundation and opening new prospects for Vietnam-EU relations development in the future.
Regarding the East Sea (South China Sea) issues, the NA Chairwoman said that, as a maritime nation, Vietnam has joined the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982). She also affirmed Vietnam's consistent stance in resolving disputes by peaceful means, in accordance with international law and the UNCLOS 1982.
Sharing the same point of view, Mogherini emphasised the importance of respecting international law, specifically the UNCLOS 1982, for freedom of navigation and aviation at sea. According to the EC Vice-President, located on an important maritime route, the East Sea also has economic and security benefits for many countries, including the EU. It is a global issue, which is of international concern, she said.
