During the talk, the two sides expressed their joy at the strong development of the Vietnam-Germany strategic partnership across all fields, marking the 45th anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic relationship (1975-2020) in a practical manner.
Deputy FM Dung affirmed that Germany has always been an important leading partner of Vietnam in the EU. He noted that the two countries’ recent adoption of a strategic action plan and establishment of a joint committee for economic cooperation was a significant step, contributing to boosting bilateral collaboration, especially in economic and trade ties, in the context that the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement is to take effect as from August 1 this year.
The two sides expressed their hope for the early approval of the Vietnam-EU Investment Protection Agreement, which will create the legal framework for businesses of the two sides to enhance their investment ties in potential fields.
Annen said that Germany attaches importance to Vietnam’s role in Southeast Asia, adding that he agrees to measures to deepen the Vietnam-Germany strategic partnership in fields of shared interest such as trade-investment, science-technology, healthcare and education.
He congratulated Vietnam for its success in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In reply, Deputy FM Dung praised the contributions made by the German Government in the global fight against COVID-19, as well as Germany’s initiatives on international cooperation in this field.
Dung stated that Vietnam is willing to work closely with Germany in maintaining trade, especially regarding essential goods, medical supplies and materials for vaccine research and production.
Discussing cooperation in multilateral frameworks, the Vietnamese Deputy FM appreciated the coordination and mutual support between the two counties in international organisations, particularly with both countries currently assuming a double role, with Vietnam as ASEAN Chair in 2020 and a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, and Germany as rotating President of the EU in the last six months of 2020 and also a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.
Vietnam supports the promotion of cooperation between ASEAN and outside partners in common interests, thus helping to promote trade liberalization and uphold multilateralism and the compliance to international law in the region and around the world, he said.
The German official proposed that the two countries make joint efforts to push for the establishment of the ASEAN-EU strategic partnership, thus taking ties between the two regions to new heights.
The two sides agreed to enhance their coordination in the framework of the UNSC in the settlement of issues of shared concern, thus contributing to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the world.
The German side said it is concerned about the current tension in the East Sea, which affects the freedom, safety and security of maritime and aviation activities in the region, and supports the settlement of disputes in the East Sea by peaceful means based on respect for international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
