Brussels, 17/04/2013 (Agence Europe) - While also engaged in free-trade negotiations since mid-2012, the EU and Vietnam are making progress in their political relations.
During their second session of political consultations, the EU and Vietnam made a positive evaluation in Brussels on 15 April of how their bilateral relations on the political level have broadened and intensified over the last year - especially with regard to human rights (with the implementation of a dialogue in 2012), security and defence, migration and the environment. The parties also hailed the progress of the free-trade negotiations that were initiated in June 2012 (a third session of talks will take place in Hanoi on 22 April - see EUROPE 10825).
The European External Action Service and the government of Vietnam also exchanged views on the situation in the South China Sea, and on the challenges with regard to development and governance in the lower basin of the Mekong - a region (also including Cambodia, Laos and Thailand) which is vulnerable to climate change. The parties also discussed EU-ASEAN relations, with Europe playing an active role for regional integration in South East Asia. The global challenge of climate change was also tackled, with the EU encouraging Vietnam to quickly convert its national emissions reduction plans into an international pledge. Lastly, Vietnam told the EU of its intention to participate in UN peacekeeping missions from 2014 onwards.
The third round of high-level consultations between Vietnam and the EU will take place in Hanoi in 2014. These regular consultations on issues of regional and global interest are held as part of the new partnership agreement signed between the EU and Vietnam in June 2012. (EH/transl.fl)