Vietnam attaches importance to ties with Greece

Politburo member Vo Van Thuong (R) and General Secretary of the Communist Party of Greece Dimitris Koutsoumpas - Photo: VNA

Politburo member and Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee (CPVCC) Vo Van Thuong made the statement at a meeting with Deputy Speaker of Greece’s Hellenic Parliament, Christodoulopoulou Anastasia; General Secretary of the Communist Party of Greece, Dimitris Koutsoumpas; and General Secretary of the ruling Coalition of the Radical Left (SYRIZA), Panagiotis Rigas, during his working visit to Greece from May 27 to June 1.

Politburo member Thuong, who is also Head of the CPVCC’s Commission for Communication and Education, noted that both sides have closely coordinated and supported each other at multilateral forums and international organisations. Two-way trade has posted an average annual growth of more than 20 pct in the past 5 years.

However, economic cooperation should be stepped up to reflect the two countries’ fine relations, he stressed.

The official said Vietnam’s economy is developing significantly and its defence security is maintained and social welfare policies are ensured.

The country continues its foreign policy of peace, independence, self-reliance, cooperation, development, multilateralisation and diversification of relations, and active international integration, for the interests of the people of Vietnam and other nations.

Vietnam is always a friend, reliable partner, and responsible member of the international community and proactively participates in regional and international cooperation, he added.

He took the occasion to thank Greece for supporting Vietnam’s efforts to boost ties with the European Union, including the Hellenic Parliament’s ratification of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, the country’s efforts to speed up the signing of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement, and its recognition of Vietnam’s market economy.

The Greek leaders spoke highly of the visit by the Vietnamese Party delegation, believing that it will contribute to bolstering bilateral relations.

The two sides discussed measures to boost ties, especially in economics, trade, investment, tourism, marine transport, seaport services, and cooperation with the Communist Party of Vietnam.

They agreed to maintain the exchange of high-level delegations, regularly organize consultant mechanisms, and coordinate in raising bilateral trade, and boosting cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

While in Greece, the Vietnamese delegation visited several localities, historical relic sites and farm produce processing facilities, and held a meeting with the Governor of Edessa city, Dimitrios Giannou.

The Vietnamese delegation left Greece on June 1, concluding its working visit to the European country.