Prime Minister (PM) Nguyen Xuan Phuc called on Denmark to strengthen cooperation with Vietnam in green energy, renewable energy, and healthcare, while hosting Danish Minister for Foreign Affairs Kristian Jensen in Hanoi on October 11.

The PM said Vietnam is stepping up anti-corruption and creating a favorable business environment for foreign investors, including those from Denmark.

He proposed the European country persuade the EU to sign the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement as soon as possible.

He took this occasion to thank the Danish Government and people for providing official development assistance (ODA) for Vietnam over the past few years, saying the Southeast Asian country hopes to receive more ODA from Denmark to address current difficulties.

PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) and Danish Minister for Foreign Affairs Kristian Jensen

Regarding the East Sea (South China Sea) issue, the PM suggested Denmark continuously advocate the maintenance of peace, stability, freedom, safety and security of navigation and aviation as well as the settlement of disputes via peaceful means and international law, especially the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) towards reaching a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).

Kristian Jensen said Vietnam and Denmark are forging stronger cooperation in politics, economics and investment, noting that the two sides have hosted numerous activities to celebrate the 45th founding anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2016.

He added that more than 130 Danish companies are operating in Vietnam in various fields such as beverages, machinery and education.

The diplomat said he hopes the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement will soon be inked.

He informed that Denmark has set up development funds worth USD 4 billion, and expects to list Vietnam among recipients given the country's reform progress.

As regards the East Sea matter, the foreign minister said Denmark hopes the involved parties will address disputes peacefully and in respect of international law.

Source: VNA