At his meeting with President of the Senate of Belgium Christine Defraigne in Hanoi on November 3, the Vietnamese leader explained that cooperation between the two countries has yet to match their potential and strengths.
He called for deepening the cooperation in a pragmatic and effective manner, particularly in economy, trade and investment, for mutual benefit and development.
He expressed his belief that the Belgian senator’s visit to Vietnam will be a milestone and actively contribute to enhancing the affiliation between the two legislatures and the two countries in general.
The host voiced his thanks for Belgium’s ratification of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA).
He informed that the concluded Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement is likely to be signed in this December and called on the Belgian side to soon approve the deal thereafter.
The pact is of significant importance as it will open up opportunities for broader cooperation between Vietnam and the EU and Belgium in particular, he said.
The leader noted his hope that apart from economy, the countries will step up cooperation in culture, social affairs, science-technology, personnel training, health care and education and training.
He suggested Belgium grant more scholarships to Vietnamese students and create optimal conditions for the Vietnamese people’s integration in the host society.
In reply, Christine Defraigne said she is delighted with big strides in cooperation between the two countries over the past time, especially in investment and trade.
The guest conveyed her belief that with the fine political and diplomatic ties as the firm background, and with the goodwill and resolve of the two countries, the bilateral cooperation will thrive in the future.
She called on the Vietnamese Government to support Belgian firms to study, seek investment opportunities and run long-term business in the Southeast Asian country.
Belgium stands ready to partner with Vietnam in such realms as education-training, environmental protection, pollution treatment, medicine and pharmacy, she affirmed.
Hailing the dynamic Vietnamese community in Belgium, Christine Defraigne pledged that Belgium will create the best possible conditions for them to study and work in the country.
The Senate of Belgium always backs cooperation activities between the two Governments, she stated.
Earlier on the day, Christine Defraigne held talks with National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung, exploring ways and means to step up legislative ties./.
VNA/VNP
