Vietnam, Wallonie-Bruxelles accelerate pace of joint projects

Vietnam and the French Community of Belgium, Wallonie-Bruxelles, will accelerate the effective implementation of projects within the framework of their co-operation programme for 2016-2018.

Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Quoc Dung (right) and Wallonie-Bruxelles Minister-President Rudy Demotte. (Credit: VNA)
Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Quoc Dung (right) and Wallonie-Bruxelles Minister-President Rudy Demotte. (Credit: VNA)

The consensus was reached by Wallonie-Bruxelles Minister-President Rudy Demotte and Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Quoc Dung during their meeting on September 15.

The 18 projects in the 2016-2020 co-operation programme focus on such priority areas as education-vocational training, healthcare, the environment, and cultural diversity.

The two sides agreed to expand affiliation to economic activities, science-technology and aeronautics.

They will also enhance their collaboration at multilateral forums, especially at the International Francophone Organisation.

Host and guest cherished the fruitful relations between Vietnam and Wallonie-Bruxelles since the establishment of the Wallonie-Bruxelles Delegation in Vietnam 20 years ago.

They said the exchange of delegations and nine joint projects have significantly contributed to Vietnam’s socio-economic development and international integration while helping deepen the bilateral co-operation.

Appreciating the priority that Wallonie-Bruxelles authorities have always given to relations with Vietnam, Deputy FM Dung affirmed that the Vietnamese Government attaches importance to the affiliation.

Rudy Demotte said he was impressed by Vietnam’s development over the years and applauded the country’s role in the region as well as the International Francophone Organisation.

During his stay in Vietnam from September 13-17, the Minister-President met with President Tran Dai Quang and attended a ceremony marking the 20th founding anniversary of the Wallonie-Bruxelles Delegation in Vietnam.

He also held working sessions with several relevant Vietnamese ministries and agencies, and visited Ho Chi Minh City as well as several key joint projects.