PM Phan Van Khai hopes for further development ties with Germany
Ha Noi, Oct. 11 (VNA) -- Prime Minister Phan Van Khai has expressed his wish that Viet Nam and Germany would strengthen their cooperative ties, particularly in trade, investment, culture, science and technology, on the basis of long-term stability and mutual benefits.
PM Khai held talks with German Federal Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder on Oct. 10, right after his arrival in Germany for a five-day visit, to exchange views on bilateral relationship, and regional and international issues of common concern.
He affirmed that Viet Nam has always attached importance to developing relationship with Germany and other countries in the European Union (EU) in which Germany plays an important role.
He briefed his German counterpart of Viet Nam's socio-economic development strategy and foreign policy of openness, multilateralisation, diversification and active integration into the international economy.
The Vietnamese PM spoke highly of Germany's socio-economic and scientific-technological achievements and said the two countries' great cooperation potential should be tapped for the interests of the two peoples.
He, on behalf of the Vietnamese Government and people, expressed thanks to the German Government and people for their valuable support and assistance to Viet Nam in national renewal and construction.
Federal Chancellor Schroeder assured PM Khai of his country's continued support for Viet Nam's renewal and development. He said that the German Government will support and create favourable conditions for its business circle to expand investment in Viet Nam which has a healthy and attractive investment environment. He expressed his wish for more German-invested projects in Viet Nam.
The German Federal Chancellor affirmed Germany's support for Viet Nam's expansion of exports to Germany and the EU as well as for Viet Nam's admission to the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
He and PM Khai expressed their joy at the positive development of bilateral relationship and cooperation in the recent past. They agreed on ways to bring the Viet Nam-Germany cooperative ties to a new height commensurate with the two countries' potential and meeting the aspiration and interests of the two peoples.
PM Khai invited Federal Chancellor Schroeder to visit Viet Nam. The latter accepted the invitation with pleasure. The time for the visit will be arranged through diplomatic channel.
The talks took place in an atmosphere of friendship and mutual understanding.--VNA
