Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc shakes hands with head of Delegation of the European Union to Vietnam Bruno Angelet in a reception in Hà Nội on August 2. — VNA/VNS Photo Thống Nhất

HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc received head of the Delegation of the European Union to Vietnam Bruno Angelet, who came to bid farewell at the end of his tenure, in Hà Nội on August 2.

At the reception, PM Phuc praised the outgoing diplomat’s contributions to enhancing friendship and comprehensive co-operation between Việt Nam and the EU, particularly in the signing of the EU-Việt Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) last June.

Noting that the bloc is one of Việt Nam's top partners in economy, trade-investment and development co-operation, the Government leader said the swift ratification of the two pacts would bring many benefits to the people. He said Việt Nam would spare no efforts in the implementation of the agreements.

Regarding a number of issues to which the EU is attentive, including labour, sustainable fishery development and the rights and interests of enterprises, PM Phúc suggested both sides continue discussions, stressing that the Vietnamese Government always worked to fulfil its international commitments.

He said Việt Nam hoped to have the EU’s close collaboration during its tenures as the chair of ASEAN in 2020 and a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2020-2021.

Angelet said that while in Việt Nam, he witnessed significant changes in the country. He lauded its development potential.

He reiterated that the EU wanted to boost ties with Việt Nam and other ASEAN member states.

The diplomat added that Việt Nam was the ASEAN member country that had signed the most agreements and co-operation programmes with the EU and had the highest number of students studying in the bloc.

Highlighting the openness of Vietnamese leaders, he said Việt Nam and the EU should focus on carrying out their signed collaboration programmes.

The EU wanted to work closely with Việt Nam across different fields and support the country’s integration strategy, Angelet said.

PM Phúc said he believed that no matter what his position, the diplomat would always be a good friend and supporter of Việt Nam and continue contributing to relations between Việt Nam and the EU. — VNS