Viet Nam signs landmark agreement to enhance friendship with Belgium

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong (second from right) talks with Belgian Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo in Brussels. — VNA/VNS Photo Tri Dung

BRUSSELS (VNS)— Belgian Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo told Viet Nam Communist Party (CPV) General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong that Viet Nam is a priority in his country's cooperation strategy.

During talks on January 18 in Brussels, Di Rupo described his Vietnamese guest's visit as an important milestone in the friendship between Viet Nam and Belgium. He spoke highly of Viet Nam's renovation policy and recent achievements, as well as the role that the country plays in the region and its contributions to regional cooperation and development.

Di Rupo also emphasised Viet Nam's position in ASEAN, especially its role as coordinator between the 10-member association and the European Union (EU), adding that he hoped the country would help promote positive relations between Belgium and ASEAN and between the EU and ASEAN.

The Vietnamese leader thanked the Belgian government, people and Prime Minister for their warm welcome, which he said reflected the traditional friendship between the two countries. He affirmed that Viet Nam appreciated Belgium's role in Europe and the world and considered the country an important partner linking Viet Nam to the EU and other European countries.

The two sides expressed their delight at the developing Viet Nam-Belgium ties.

They outlined measures to increase cooperation in politics, economics, trade, investment, development cooperation, education and training, science and technology and infrastructure development.

Trong invited the Belgian PM to visit Viet Nam. Di Rupo accepted the invitation with pleasure.

Following the talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of a number of co-operation agreements between the two countries, including Memoranda of Understanding to fund Viet Nam's climate change response and the construction of Dinh Vu port in northern Hai Phong City.

Also yesterday, Party leader Trong met with Brussels' Mayor Freddy Thielemans, with the Vietnamese side appreciating the educational links enjoyed with the city in recent years.

He spoke highly of the co-operation and ties between many universities in Viet Nam and Brussels.

Trong also wanted the city's leaders to take greater heed of the potential for co-operation in culture, science and technology, urban management and environment.

He added that he hoped leaders could help facilitate Vietnamese businesses to work there.

On the same day, Trong held talks with representatives of Belgium's Senate and House of Representatives. — VNS