Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc meets head of the delegation of the European Union (EU) to Việt Nam, Ambassador Pier Giorgio Aliberti in Hà Nội on Friday. VNA/VNS Photo Thống Nhất

HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc received head of the delegation of the European Union (EU) to Việt Nam, Ambassador Pier Giorgio Aliberti, in Hà Nội on Friday.
Congratulating his guest on assuming tasks in Việt Nam, PM Phúc expressed his belief the diplomat will make active contributions to bilateral relations and affirmed that the EU is an important partner for Việt Nam.
The Government leader spoke highly of the EU’s viewpoint on the East Sea issue, supporting safety, security and freedom of aviation and navigation in the East Sea, as well as abiding by international law.
Next year, Việt Nam will take on the role of the ASEAN Chair and a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, PM Phúc said, expressing his belief that the Việt Nam – EU cooperation will improve.
The leader said he hopes that bilateral trade will be no less than US$20 billion while investment and exchanges between the two sides will increase. He wished his guest a successful term in the country and hoped that he will become a good friend who closely cooperates with the Vietnamese side.
The diplomat said that the Việt Nam – EU relations are at a very fine stage. However, he also said this is also a challenge for him, especially in implementing agreements and treaties the two sides have reached.
As for the East Sea issue, the ambassador said that the EU supports Việt Nam’s viewpoint on the basis of respect for international law. — VNS