Vietnam wants to deepen ties with Austria: PM

The Austrian Chancellor said that Vietnam is a trustworthy and important partner of Austria in Southeast Asia, and underlined the high potential for the development of the Vietnam-Austria partnership.

Both sides agreed to resume the exchange of delegations and high-level meetings soon, while reinforcing cooperation mechanisms, including the Vietnam-Austria Joint Committee on economic and investment cooperation, heading to the celebration of the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties in 2022.

Regarding collaboration in economy, trade and investment, PM Chinh proposed that the Austrian Government create favourable conditions for Vietnamese aquatic products to enter the Austrian market, early approve the Vietnam-EU Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), and push the European Commission to remove the yellow card on Vietnam's fisheries sector.

The Austrian Chancellor said that his country is willing to support Vietnam in strengthening partnership with the EU and work for the removal of the yellow card.

Over collaboration in COVID-19 fight, the Vietnamese PM suggested that Austria transfer its redundant vaccines to Vietnam and cooperate in transferring production technologies for COVID-19 vaccine and treatment drug. PM Chinh also expressed hope that Austria will urge the COVAX Facility to speed up the allocation of vaccines to Vietnam in the time to come.

The two leaders also discussed the East Sea/South China Sea issue, highlighting that maintaining maritime and aviation freedom and security and peace in the East Sea is the common interest of the international community. They affirmed support of the settlement of disputes through peaceful methods in line with international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

PM Chinh invited Chancellor Sebastian Kurz to visit Vietnam in 2022 on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations. The Austrian Chancellor accepted the invitation with pleasure.