At the reception, President Thuong stressed that the relationship between Vietnam and Austria has been long-standing and developing comprehensively in all fields over the past 50 years with many important achievements.
In terms of politics, the two countries have maintained regular high-level meetings and contacts. Many practical cultural and art activities were held on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and Austria in 2022.
Regarding economics and trade, the two countries have been cooperating closely and making development steps. Austria has been always among top 10 export markets of Vietnam in Europe and Vietnam has been Austria's major economic partner in Southeast Asia with bilateral trade turnover in 2022 reaching more than 2.79 billion USD. Especially since the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) took effect, the import and export turnover between the two countries has been boosted.
On the occasion, President Vo Van Thuong congratulated the Austria-Vietnam Friendship Association for its recent successful Congress and its new Chairman Alfred Gerstl while highly valuing the contribution made by Peter Jankovich, former Chairman of the Austria-Vietnam Friendship Association, to Vietnam over the past half century.
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Continuing his official visit to Austria, President Vo Van Thuong receives Chairman of the Austria-Vietnam Friendship Association Alfred Gerstl and a number of Austrian friends on July 23 evening. (Photo: VNA) |
The President appreciated the Austria-Vietnam Friendship Association for the organisation of many friendly exchange activities, contributing to enhancing the friendship, mutual understanding and support between the two peoples.
Giving sincere thanks to Alfred Gerstl and close Austrian friends of Vietnam who have made great efforts to cultivate the friendship between the two countries, Vietnamese State leader expressed his belief that Alfred Gerstl will continue to make more important contributions to further strengthen the cooperation and friendship between the two nations.
Prof. Dr. Alfred Gerstl affirmed that Vietnam plays an important role in Austria's foreign policy, especially cooperation in trade and investment. Currently, there are many Austrian businesses conducting investment in production and business activities in Vietnam.
Recalling his impressions during the previous visit to Vietnam, Alfred Gerstl expressed his pleasure at Vietnam's important achievements in economic growth and development. He also had coordinated and implemented many activities to strengthen cooperation between the two countries.
Alfred Gerstl also appreciated the exchange and cooperation activities in the field of culture and arts between the two sides.
At the meeting, members of the Austria-Vietnam Friendship Association said that the association was established in 1973 and many members are scientists, politicians, socio-cultural activists and those from businesses operating in many different fields.
The association’s members have made efforts to seek resources and promote activities to support Vietnam in many fields including economy, trade, banking, culture, education and training.
