Vietnamese, Austrian Presidents hold talks

Austria considers Vietnam an important partner in its foreign policy in the Asia-Pacific, especially in trade and investment, he said, adding that the country wishes to further enhance bilateral relations in the fields of economy, education and culture.

At the talks - Photo: VNA

Thuong, for his part, asserted that Vietnam always wishes to foster the friendship and all-around collaboration with Austria, its reliable friend in the European Union.

President Thuong proposed that both sides continue working closely together and effectively utilise the benefits of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), including facilitating access to each other's markets for their respective strong export items. Austria was asked to create favourable conditions for its firms to increase investments in Vietnam, particularly in industries such as automobile support industries, railway, medical equipment, and pharmaceuticals.

President Vo Van Thuong and his Austrian counterpart Alexander Van der Bellen witness the signing of the MoU between the two foreign ministries (Photo: VNA

Describing Vietnam as Austria's biggest partner in Southeast Asia, the Austrian President hoped that both sides will be interested in improving the bilateral trade balance.

Thuong also suggested Austria back the European Commission’s removal of yellow card warning against Vietnam’s aquatic products, thus enabling Vietnam to export them to the EU.

He also proposed Austria prioritise Vietnam in its official development assistance (ODA) funding and issue more favourable loan policies, particularly for projects in health care, environment protection, vocational training, firefighting, and rescue operations. The Austrian President warmly welcomed the ongoing discussions about preferential loans from the Austrian Government and hoped that sustainable cooperation projects could be implemented soon.

The two sides vowed to step up cooperation in education-training, culture-arts, and sports, and people-to-people exchange. The host agreed with the gueste's proposal to continue supporting the Vietnamese community in Austria, who serve as a bridge for bilateral friendship.

On the global and regional issues of shared concern, Thuong spoke highly of Austria's interest in enhancing relations with the Southeast Asian region.

Vietnam is ready to act as a bridge to help Austria strengthen its ties with ASEAN, he said, suggesting that Austria could play a bridging role to help enhance Vietnam's relations with the EU.

Both leaders promised to continue close coordination at global and regional forums, particularly within the framework of ASEAN-EU cooperation, for the sake of peace, cooperation and development in the region and the world.

The Vietnamese leader extended an invitation to the Austrian President and his spouse to visit Vietnam soon. The host accepted the invitation with pleasure.

Following the talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between the Vietnamese and Austrian foreign ministries.