Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh conducted one-on-one discussions with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre in Johannesburg, during his engagements at the G20 Summit in South Africa.
In the meeting with Chancellor Merz, PM Chinh expressed that Vietnam greatly values its Strategic Partnership with Germany and respects Germany's prominent role in the European Union. He also mentioned that Vietnam supports and welcomes Germany's involvement in the Asia-Pacific region, as it helps in promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development in the region.
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The importance of unity, friendship, and collaboration in the current global and regional context was emphasized by the two leaders. They also highlighted the importance of promoting free trade, ensuring the smooth movement of goods and services, and removing obstacles to enhance business and production for the people's benefit.
Prime Minister Chinh expressed his gratitude to the German parliament for officially approving the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) on November 13, following a phone conversation between the two Prime Ministers in September. He stated his belief that the implementation of the EVIPA will lead to significant advancements in trade and investment between the two countries.
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He expressed gratitude towards the German Government for their ODA support to Vietnam in areas like energy, environment, and vocational training. He suggested that Germany should maintain long-term collaboration in dual vocational training programs, assist in recognizing Vietnamese qualifications according to German standards, and offer additional help to the Vietnamese community in Germany for better integration into the society and enhancing bilateral relations.
Chancellor Merz praised Vietnam for its increasing importance and influence in the region and globally, acknowledging its accomplishments in various fields.He emphasized the significance of Vietnam as a key partner in Germany's Indo-Pacific strategy.
He conveyed Germany's desire to enhance collaboration in areas of shared strengths and requirements, such as minerals, high-speed rail, vocational training, defense industry development, and cyber security. The German official proposed intensifying joint efforts in vocational education.
PM Chinh emphasized the importance of bilateral cooperation in maintaining social stability through security measures and fighting crimes, especially those that impact national security. During the discussion with Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, both parties expressed their pleasure in elevating the bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Partnership following the state visit to Egypt by State President Luong Cuong in August. They concurred to promptly complete the Action Programme for executing the Viet Nam–Egypt Comprehensive Partnership framework.
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PM Chinh expressed his commitment to increasing bilateral trade to one billion USD. He suggested that both countries should quickly assemble the Joint Working Group to explore the possibility of a free trade agreement between Vietnam and Egypt. Additionally, he proposed the creation of the Vietnam-Egypt Business Council and the fast-tracking of negotiations to finalize an Agreement on Double Taxation Avoidance. Moreover, PM Chinh emphasized the importance of enhancing investment collaboration and supporting Vietnamese businesses in taking part in Egypt's new urban development ventures and conducting business within the nation.