Vietnam treasures relations with Belgium: NA Vice Chairman
In its foreign policy, Vietnam always treasures its comprehensive partnership and cooperation with the European Union (EU) as well as Belgium and other EU member nations, Permanent Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man said at a reception for visiting First Vice President of the Belgian Senate Andries Gryffroy in Hanoi on November 16.
Permanent Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man (R) receives First Vice President of the Belgian Senate Andries Gryffroy (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) - In its foreign policy, Vietnam always treasures its comprehensive partnership and cooperation with the European Union (EU) as well as Belgium and other EU member nations, Permanent Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man said at a reception for visiting First Vice President of the Belgian Senate Andries Gryffroy in Hanoi on November 16.
Man highly appreciated Gryffroy's important contributions to promoting Vietnam-Belgium and Vietnam-EU relations, saying that Vietnam wishes to receive more support from Belgium in promoting stronger and more effective cooperative ties with the union.
He thanked the Belgian government, parliament and people for donating 100,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine to Vietnam at the toughest time of the COVID-19 pandemic in September 2021.
The Vice Chairman hoped that Belgian parliamentarians would continue to prompt the Belgian Parliament and parliaments of EU member states to soon ratify the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), and promote the effective implantation of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), thus creating favourable conditions for Vietnamese goods and agricultural products to enter the EU market.
Man suggested the two sides enhance cooperation, effectively implement bilateral mechanisms, maintain the exchange of all-level delegations, and closely coordinate at multilateral forums, especially the ASEAN - EU Summit; foster the sharing of experience in law-making, supervision and decision-making.
For his part, Gryffroy said he is delighted at the fruitful development in the relationship between the two countries and their legislative bodies in the recent past.
He affirmed that the signing of the EVFTA and EVIPA is important to promoting the bilateral relations, bringing practical benefits to Vietnamese and European people.
Agreeing with the Vietnamese leader's proposals, Gryffroy expressed his hope that the two sides will work closely to promote cooperation and the exchange of delegations between the legislative bodies of the two countries, helping to deepen the Vietnam - Belgium relations./.
Vietnam’s Honorary Consular to Belgium Baron De Grand Ry has offered a positive view on the cooperation between Vietnam and Belgium, especially in economy and trade.
Foreign investment between Belgium and West Flanders in Vietnam is still limited due to the lack of information about the country, Vietnamese Ambassador to Belgium Nguyen Van Thao has said.
A workshop themed “Vietnam as your Green business opportunities destination” was held by the Belgian Vietnamese Alliance (BVA) and the Flanders International Technical Agency (FITA) in Brussels on June 22 to introduce Vietnam’s potential in renewable energy and sustainable port development.
A forum to promote trade cooperation between Vietnam and Belgium took place in Brussels on June 28, as one of the main economic events between the two countries held after a long hiatus due to the COVID-19 epidemic.
A delegation of the Vietnam - Belgium Parliamentary Friendship Group is paying a four-day working visit to the European country during which the two sides will share lawmaking experience and discuss scientists’ role in legislative activities.
The Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO) on July 13 bestowed its “For peace and friendship among nations” insignia upon outgoing Belgian Ambassador to Vietnam Paul Jansen in recognition of his valuable contributions throughout his term of office in the country.
The Party and State of Vietnam always attach great importance to and give top priority to the development of Vietnam–China relations. Vietnam is ready to work with the Chinese Party and State to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and promote the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV, President Cuong said, the press has been a steadfast force on the ideological and cultural front, rallying the masses to pursue national aspirations.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
The launch of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, even before the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is considered a testament to President Ho Chi Minh’s strategic foresight and strong belief in the guiding power of the revolutionary media.
New Zealand is currently one of Vietnam’s most important partners in the region, marked by a high level of political trust, strong and reliable defence and security cooperation, and increasingly open economic, trade, and investment ties.
Party General Secretary To Lam stressed that the Central Public Security Party Committee must be fully aware of the extremely important role of the People's Public Security force in the country's new revolutionary phase, so as to guide each branch and level of the force as the nation undergoes transformation.
Addressing concerns over university education spending, Son explained that as public universities gain greater autonomy, the Ministry of Finance has scaled back recurrent state funding. “Over the past decade, as autonomy has increased, the State's support has steadily declined”, he noted
Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane affirmed that the presence of Vietnamese press offices in Laos vividly demonstrates the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations, as the press is not only a means of communication but also an important bridge for spreading consciousness about the history, values, and strategic depth of the Laos – Vietnam relationship to the people of both countries and the international community.
The country is willing to participate in collective efforts to promote cooperation and mobilise resources to advance the current priority issues of developing countries, such as trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, making the most of scientific and technological advances for development, and people-to-people exchanges, Hang said.
During the negotiations, the US highly evaluated Vietnam’s goodwill and efforts, affirmed its appreciation for the bilateral relationship, acknowledged Vietnam’s proposals and concerns, and considered these an important basis for continuing discussions and moving towards a final agreement.
The Chairman stressed the need for stricter fiscal discipline, faster digital transformation, and more efficient management of State budget revenues and expenditures.
Permanent Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man (R) receives First Vice President of the Belgian Senate Andries Gryffroy (Photo: VNA) 
