VN eyes strong ties with Belgium

NA Chairman Nguyễn Phú Trọng (R) welcomes President of the Belgian Chamber of Representatives Patrick Dewael, Hà Nội, April 14, 2010 – Photo: VNA

NA Chairman Trọng made the statement at his reception given to a Belgian delegation led by President of the Chamber of Representatives Patrick Dewael who is on an official visit to Việt Nam, the first tour of its kind since 1998.

During his talks with the guest, Chairman Trọng thanked Belgium and its people for their valuable support and assistance to Việt Nam. Particularly, Việt Nam is the only Asian recipient of ODA from the European country.

Belgium actively supports Việt Nam on multi-lateral forums and even showed its disagreement with the European Union’s (EU) decision to impose anti-dumping tax against Vietnamese leather-capped shoes.

The Vietnamese leader urged the two sides to further exchange legislative delegations to boost mutual understanding.

President Patrick Dewael acknowledged that cooperation between the two legislative bodies should be expanded in parallel with the fine development of the bilateral ties.

Belgium pledges to continue providing Việt Nam with ODA as the latter has been effectively utilizing the capital, said Mr. Patrick Dewael.

The two leaders agreed that Việt Nam, Chair of ASEAN 2010, and Belgium, Chair of EU in the second half of 2010, would have more chance to cement ties and support each other.

The lawmakers of the two sides also discussed and exchanged views on the political role of Vietnamese women, poverty reduction, death penalty, preservation and promotion of French language and culture.

By Hải Minh