Vietnam, Austria Boost Cooperation Towards 50 Years of Diplomacy

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Vietnamese Ambassador to Austria Nguyen Trung Kien (L) and Foreign Policy Advisor to the Austrian Federal Chancellor Barbara Kaudel-Jensen before their working session in Vienna. (Photo: VOV)

Ambassador Kien noted Vietnam and Austria have great potential for promoting cooperation in trade, investment and vocational training. The enforcement of the European Union – Vietnam free trade agreement (EVFTA) in August 2020 has helped businesses of the two countries seek and expand cooperation opportunities in each other’s markets.

Kien once again suggested that Austria soon consider ratifying the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), creating conditions for the agreement to be ratified soon in all EU member states and put into practice.

On this occasion, the Vietnamese Ambassador proposed that the two sides organize a number of cooperation activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

He highly appreciated Austria’s efforts in organizing the fifth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament on August 19-20 and the 13th Summit of Women Speakers of Parliament on September 6-8 this year within the framework of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).

The two sides shared concerns about the latest developments of the COVID-19 pandemic globally, agreeing countries need to work closely together to contain the virus. On this occasion, Ambassador Kien suggested that Austria support Vietnam in responding to the current outbreak.

For her part, Foreign Policy advisor Barbara Kaudel-Jensen expressed her belief that the two countries will promote cooperation potential in the areas of their strength towards the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

She thanked Vietnam for supporting Austria in organizing important IPU conferences and sending its representatives to the events, saying this will be an opportunity for the two countries to promote parliamentary diplomacy and strengthen cooperation.

With regard to the COVID-19 response, the Austrian diplomat spoke highly of Vietnam’s efforts in disease prevention and pledged to coordinate with relevant Austrian agencies to support the Southeast Asian nation in this matter.