German FM hails visit by Deputy Prime Minister

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas on February 20 described the ongoing visit by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh as laying a foundation for both countries to develop bilateral strategic partnership.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas (R) (Source: VNA)

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas (R) (Source: VNA) 

During a meeting in Berlin, Maas also expressed his impression on Vietnam’s socio-economic achievements and global integration over the past years, its important role and position in ASEAN and Asia-Pacific as well as positive contributions to the global community. 

Minh agreed that both sides should further facilitate all-level visits and affirmed that Vietnam always treasures its strategic partnership with Germany, considering it a leading and priority partner in the region. 

The two sides consented to increase contents of bilateral strategic partnership in diverse areas, and build a specific action plan to further deepen their relations. 

The Deputy PM thanked Germany for its support in development projects, including metro line No.2 in Ho Chi Minh City and renewable energy projects. 

He wished that Germany would maintain its supply of official development assistance to Vietnam in fields of Germany’s strength and Vietnam’s demand. 

Both sides expressed their delight at progresses in bilateral economic, trade and investment ties with two-way trade topping 10 billion USD last year, up over 1 billion USD from 2017. Germany remains Vietnam’s top trade partner in the European Union (EU) while the upcoming inauguration of Deutsches Haus (German House) in Ho Chi Minh City is expected to boost the bilateral trade and investment. 

The German side spoke highly of the importance of the EU – Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and vowed to do its best to sign and ratify the deal at an earliest time. 

The host was satisfied about the effective operations of the Vietnamese – German University (VGU) in the southern province of Binh Duong and expressed support for a trilateral agreement on VGU. 

He agreed on joint work with Vietnam in vocational training during the fourth industrial revolution, and expressed willingness to enhance cooperation with Vietnam in the use and training of Vietnamese nurses in Germany, promote cultural exchanges via activities at Goethe Institute in Vietnam. 

Host and guest vowed to work closely together in judicial affairs, national defense, science-technology, and aviation. 

They agreed to offer support to each other at global forums and organisations, especially within the United Nations framework in the context that Germany will undertake the role of EU Chair by 2020, and is now a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council – a position that Vietnam is running for for the 2020-2021 tenure. 

Both sides shared stances on regional and global issues of mutual concern, especially support for trade liberalization, maintenance of multilateral mechanisms, respect for international law for the sake of peace and stability in the region and the world.

VNA

Other News

National Assembly Chairman urges renovation in leadership, working style

National Assembly Chairman urges renovation in leadership, working style

The NA's Committee for Cultural and Social Affairs has moved fast to reshuffle its organisation after the 14th National Party Congress and the election of deputies to the 16th NA, updating its work agenda to match new directives set out in the resolutions of the 14th National Party Congress and the first Congress of the NA Party Organisation for the 2025–2030 term.

Vietnam treasures ties with Croatia: PM

Vietnam treasures ties with Croatia: PM

Vietnam and Croatia should strive to double bilateral trade turnover from the current level of 161 million USD; study the establishment of a Joint Committee on Economic Cooperation to create a long-term, stable, and effective framework for collaboration, said Prime Minister Le Minh Hung.

President Ho Chi Minh's enduring legacy highlighted at Venezuela commemoration

President Ho Chi Minh's enduring legacy highlighted at Venezuela commemoration

Vice President of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) Jesús Faria expressed deep admiration for President Ho Chi Minh and Vietnam’s indomitable struggle for national independence. He described President Ho Chi Minh as an immortal symbol of 20th-century national liberation movements, whose legacy continues to inspire leftist parties, progressive movements, and peoples across Latin America, including Venezuela.

Vietnam proposes key cooperation orientations at BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting

Vietnam proposes key cooperation orientations at BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting

Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Hang shared Vietnam’s approach to building an independent and self-reliant economy linked to deep international integration, while proposing several key areas for enhanced cooperation between BRICS and partner countries at the Expanded BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting that opened on May 14 in India.

Vietnam asks parties to respect its sovereignty over Truong Sa

Vietnam asks parties to respect its sovereignty over Truong Sa

PSNews - The spokesperson stated that the dispatch of personnel by relevant parties to features belonging to Truong Sa without Vietnam’s permission constitutes a violation of Vietnam’s sovereignty under international law. She stressed that such actions run counter to the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) as well as ongoing efforts by countries to negotiate a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).

Hanoi to host ASEAN Future Forum 2026 in mid-June

Hanoi to host ASEAN Future Forum 2026 in mid-June

PSNews - Vietnam’s proposals placed the highest priority on ensuring a peaceful and stable environment conducive for continued sustainable development and improving the well-being and happiness of the ASEAN people. They were praised by member states and incorporated into the core contents of the ASEAN Leaders’ Statement on the response to the Middle East crisis.

Vietnam promotes cooperation with United Nations on crime prevention

Vietnam promotes cooperation with United Nations on crime prevention

Vietnam highly values the support of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in strengthening national capacity in crime prevention and criminal justice, drug control, and addressing emerging challenges, particularly cybercrime, said Ambassador Vu Le Thai Hoang.

Party, State leader calls for consolidation of central steering committees on legal, judicial reform

Party, State leader calls for consolidation of central steering committees on legal, judicial reform

Consolidating the central steering committees for institutional and legal reform and for judicial reform is necessary in order to streamline organisational structures without reducing responsibilities, while ensuring clear accountability, measurable outputs and concrete results. Following the restructuring, the body will be renamed the central steering committee for institutional improvement and law enforcement, with the Party General Secretary and State President serving as its head.

Vietnam strives for substantive outcome at NPT review conference

Vietnam strives for substantive outcome at NPT review conference

At the meeting this week, Ambassador Viet briefed the UNGA President on developments during the first two weeks of the conference. He stressed that the current international geopolitical landscape poses numerous complex challenges, while reaffirming Vietnam’s determination, together with other member states, to promote substantive and balanced outcomes at the conference.

Top leader of Vietnam receives Vientiane official in Hanoi

Top leader of Vietnam receives Vientiane official in Hanoi

The host leader stressed that cooperation between localities, particularly between the capitals of Hanoi and Vientiane, plays an especially important role as a pioneering force in effectively implementing the foreign polices of the two Parties and States, while also serving as a bridge between politics and development, as well as between strategy and concrete action.