Brussels (VNA) – Vietnamese Prime Minister NguyenXuan Phuc and his Belgian counterpart, Charles Michel, highlighted the stridesin the two countries’ relations in numerous spheres during their talks inBrussels on the afternoon of October 16 (local time).

PM Phuc, who is on an official visit to Belgium,said Vietnam will always treasure its friendship and multifaceted cooperationwith the European nation. He thanked PM Michel and the Belgian Government forsupporting bilateral ties over the years.

Michel noted that the trip – which takes placeon the threshold of the 12th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit and amidst the45th founding anniversary of the countries’ diplomatic ties – will create a newdriving force for bilateral connections to grow strongly.

The two PMs said that Vietnam-Belgium relationshave enjoyed progress in multiple areas and at many levels, from local tocentral levels, creating diverse cooperation links that have helped to capitaliseon the strength of both sides.

They agreed to increase mutual visits andmeetings at all levels. PM Phuc also took this occasion to invite hiscounterpart to visit Vietnam, and Michel accepted the invitation with pleasure.

At the talks, the leaders agreed to enhanceeconomic partnerships and maintain cooperation mechanisms, such as theVietnam-Belgium Joint Committee. The two sides will also improve theeffectiveness of cooperation projects as well as coordination among mechanisms.

PM Michel said that bilateral trade andinvestment have continued to expand well, noting that last year’s trade revenueof 2.7 billion USD will be a catalyst for Belgium’s trade and investment inVietnam.

He affirmed his support for the early signingand ratification of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), which willprovide practical benefits for the EU and form a bridge linking Europe withSoutheast Asia and the Asia Pacific.

The PMs emphasised the need to work together tocreate conditions for connecting Vietnamese and Belgian partners, especially infields Belgium holds strength and Vietnam has demand for, namelytransportation, seaports, logistics services, green technology, agriculture,pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy.

The establishment of a strategic partnership inagriculture and cooperation in food safety and hygiene between the twocountries will provide optimal conditions for high-quality Vietnamese agriculturaland fishery products to enter Belgium and vice versa. They will also help theagricultural sectors of both sides to expand production and apply hightechnology to meet sustainability requirements, the leaders said.

They added that Vietnam and Belgium should buildon what they have achieved so far in development cooperation and collaborationin education-training, science-technology, justice, and culture.

PM Phuc also called on the Belgian Government tocontinue favourable conditions for Vietnamese people in the country.

At the event, the two leaders stressed thattheir countries need to enhance cooperation and mutual support at multilateralforums and international organisations, especially the United Nations.

PM Phuc welcomed the EU and Belgium’s viewpointon and active role in the East Sea issue. The two sides underscored theimportance of peace, stability, and security in the East Sea; the settlement ofdisputes by peaceful means; and respect for international law and the 1982 UNConvention on the Law of the Sea. –VNA