Meeting with representatives from Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines and Indonesia in Athens on July 2, Plevris stressed that Greece is keen to strengthen labor ties with ASEAN countries to address labor shortages.

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At the meeting

He said the early signing of bilateral labor agreements will help better protect the rights and interests of both workers and employers while supporting efforts to tackle irregular migration, one of the Greek Government's priorities.

The minister noted that migration management has become a major focus of the European Union following the entry into force of the EU's new Pact on Migration and Asylum in June.

At the meeting, Vietnamese Ambassador to Greece Pham Thi Thu Huong said that following her meeting with the minister in March, the Vietnamese Embassy has discussed Greece's proposals on labor cooperation with relevant authorities in Vietnam.

She expressed her hope that the two sides will continue consultations and move towards the early signing of a bilateral labor cooperation agreement, creating favorable conditions for Vietnamese workers to take up employment in Greece while contributing to more substantive and effective bilateral relations.

Plevris welcomed the proposal and instructed relevant agencies to continue working closely with Vietnam and other ASEAN countries to expedite negotiations on labor cooperation agreements.

According to Greece's Ministry of Migration and Asylum, about 1,700 Vietnamese workers currently hold valid residence permits in the country.

Source: VNA