The eighth Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM 8) opened on October 5 with the participation of Asian and European countries including Vietnam’s Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung.
With the theme “Quality of life”, ASEM 8 is focused on five major issues such as global economic governance, sustainable development, international and regional issues, and promotion of ASEM’s image.
On addressing the conference, the President of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy, said that ASEM 8, involving Russia, Australia, and New Zealand, is a milestone in the development of Asia – Europe strategic partnership. He underlined Europe’s priorities to help Asian countries to overcome the negative impact of the recent economic crisis by providing development assistance and free trade agreements with Asian countries.
Belgian Prime Minister Yves Leterme, who is also EU chairman, said that ASEM will discuss measures to increase ASEM’s efforts to improve global economic governance and create models of sustainable development.
Representatives from ASEM coordinating countries said they are determined to promote ASEM’s image and status.
On the sidelines of the conference, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung met with his counterparts from Belgium, Japan, the Netherlands, and Luxemburg to strengthen ties with these countries.
The Belgian Prime Minister welcomed PM Dung and said he believes that Mr. Dung will make great contribution to the conference’s success.
Mr. Dung said Vietnam considers Belgium a strategic partner in the EU and always attaches a great importance to promoting bilateral cooperation.
Both parties were pleased at the development of the relationship between the two countries, saying that it should be expanded to the fields of economics, trade, investment, and education.
Belgium and Vietnam will soon hold a meeting to draw up a cooperation programme for the 2011-2015 period, said Mr. Leterme, adding that Belgium will send delegations from universities and businesses to Vietnam to seek out opportunities.
While exchanging ideas of international and regional concern, PM Dung said that as ASEAN chair, Vietnam is eager to help Belgium boost cooperation with the association. Mr. Leterme added that Belgium could be a gateway for Vietnam to penetrate the EU market.
During his meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Kan Naoto, both leaders praised the Vietnam-Japan relationship, saying that they will work closer to promote their strategic partnership to contribute to world peace, stability and development.
PM Dung and his Dutch counterpart, Jan Peter, signed an agreement to establish a strategic partnership to deal with climate change and manage water resources. Mr. Dung said the agreement lays the foundations for both countries to cooperate effectively
The Dutch PM spoke highly of Vietnam-Netherlands relations in investment, trade, education and training areas.
Luxemburg’s PM Jean-Claude Juncker said that the country will continue assisting Vietnam, especially in healthcare service, education and training, and sustainable development. He also promised to receive more Vietnamese students to study in Luxemburg.
Both Vietnamese and Luxemburg PMs agreed to boost bilateral cooperation in aviation and metallurgy.
Source: VOV