(VOV) -A National Assembly (NA) delegation led by Vice Chairman Huynh Ngoc Son hold talks with the second President of the Lower House of the Austrian Parliament Karlheinz Kopf on issues of mutual concern as part of their visit to Austria from September 13-19.
At the talks, Son applauded the achievements Austria has recorded in a multitude of areas, thus elevating its international profile in Europe and the world as a whole.
The Vietnamese legislator thanked the Government of Austria for maintaining its provision of official development assistance (ODA) for Vietnam, especially for projects on defense-security, health care, the environment and fire prevention and control.
These projects have been implemented effectively as a contribution to improving people’s lives, serving Vietnam’s socio- economic development and promoting its international integration, Son said, while suggesting the Lower House of Austria continue prioritizing ODA provision for Vietnam in the coming time.
Son also briefed his host on Vietnam’s promoted comprehensive reform, enhanced political stability and security, economic development and ensured social welfare.
The Vietnam NA’s operations have been proved innovative, democratic and transparent, with higher efficiency in the areas of legislation, supervision, giving proper decisions on national important issues, he said.
In 2013 the National Assembly of Vietnam promulgated a new constitution in lieu of the 1999 Constitution which presented a significant milestone in comprehensive economic and political renovation, meeting the requirements for the process of national construction and defense and international integration in the new situation.
NA Vice Chairman Son welcomed the European Union (EU) statement on the East Sea released on May 8 in which the EU expressed concern about the East Sea security after China stationed its giant floating oil rig in Vietnam’s continental shelf and exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
The EU urged concerned parties to find solutions for maintaining peace and co-operation in accordance with international law and ensuring the safety and freedom of navigation. Vietnam wants Austria to pay more attention to stabilizing the regional situation and maritime security in the East Sea and support Vietnam’s stance of resolving maritime disputes through peaceful means on the basis of respect for international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the Declaration on the conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) towards the formation of a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).
Son also proposed that as a strong nation in terms of international law, Austria can share experiences and provide legal advice for Vietnam.
The two countries should increase parliamentary delegation exchanges, improve consultation mechanisms and closely coordinate at multilateral forums like the Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership (ASEP) and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Son said.
He asked the Austrian Parliament to soon ratify the EU-Vietnam Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) signed between Vietnam and the EU in June 2012, accelerate the conclusion of the Vietnam-EU free trade agreement (VEFTA) on schedule in October 2014, and support the EU recognition of Vietnam’s market economy status.
For his part, Karlheinz Kopf highlighted the Vietnamese NA delegation’s visit as a milestone marking the development of relationship between the two legislative bodies and the two nations. He said he hopes Austrian leaders will adopt the PCA, speed up the finalization of VEFTA negotiations on schedule, and back the EU recognition of Vietnam’s market economy status.
Regarding the East Sea issue, the Austrian legislator echoed Vietnam’s view on resolving disputed issues based on international law which is the norm in dealing with relationships between the countries. Kopf said his nation has an important voice in the EU statement that does not support using force to resolve disputes.
During its stay, the NA delegation visited Diamond Aircraft Industries- a light aircraft manufacturer in Wiener Neustadt and the Vienna-based Vietnam Embassy.
Đăng ký: VietNam News
