Vietnam is one of the most dynamic and fastest growing economies in Asia, said EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission Josep Borrell.

Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh (L) and Vice President of the European Commission Josep Borrell. Source: MoFA.

Both the EU and Vietnam have huge potential for cooperation in various fields, including politics, security, economy, culture, and peace-keeping activities, among others, said Borrell at a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh on the sidelines of the 14th Asia – Europe Meeting (ASEM) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Madrid on December 15.

Minh congratulated Borrell on his new position as EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, hoping he will strongly support the Vietnam – EU and ASEAN – EU relations.

Minh asked the EU to facilitate the ratification process of EU – Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the EU – Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) in the European Parliament, which are expected to bring mutual benefits for enterprises and the people of the two sides.

Vietnam and the EU have established communication channels on various fields, while the signing of the EVFTA and the EVIPA in June would create the legal basis for greater cooperation, particularly as next year Vietnam and the EU would celebrate the 30th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations (1990 – 2020).

Minh and Borrell agreed to continue cooperating at multilateral forums, such as the United Nations, ASEM, ASEAN forums in 2020 when Vietnam assumes the ASEAN Chair and the position of non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.