EC treasures friendship, co-operation with VN: President Barroso

Meeting with Party General Secretary, Nguyen Phu Trong in Hanoi on August 25, the EC President appreciated Vietnam's role as co-ordinator of the ASEAN-EU relationship.

He also spoke highly of the country's achievements in minimising impacts of the global economic crisis, curbing inflation, stabilising the macro-economy, ensuring social welfare, and increasing its role and status in the region and the world at large.

Barroso informed General Secretary Trong about the situation of the European Union (EU) and the EC, noting that the EU's efforts to handle the aftermath of the financial crisis and economic downturn have initially seen positive results.

He stated that the EU is working closely with relevant Vietnamese agencies to accelerate the ratification of the Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Partnership and Co-operation (PCA) between the two sides as well as the conclusion of negotiations on a Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

For his part, General Secretary Trong described the EC President's visit as an important contribution to bilateral ties while highlighting efforts by the EU and Barroso in particular in helping the regional economy regain its momentum.

Appreciating the EU's strength in workforce training, he expressed his hope for the bloc's assistance to Vietnam in human resources development and management policies.

The Party leader also suggested both sides bolster co-operation in other fields that the EU is strong in and Vietnam has demand for.

(Source: Nhandan Online)