WATCH VIDEO:

On the afternoon of January 16 (local time), within the framework of the World Economic Forum (WEF Davos 2024), Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, and WEF Founder and Chairman Klaus Schwabs.

At the meeting with the President of Ukraine , the two leaders emphasized the importance of the traditional friendship, partnership and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Ukraine. In the current situation, to maintain the momentum of the relationship, the two sides agreed to coordinate to remove obstacles and seek measures to restore trade exchanges in goods of both sides' strengths.

The Prime Minister affirmed Vietnam's consistent stance that all disputes must be resolved by peaceful means, in accordance with the fundamental principles of international law and the United Nations Charter, including respect for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries, and non-use or threat of force. Vietnam supports the efforts of the international community to create conditions for relevant parties to negotiate and promote aid and humanitarian relief for the people.

President Zelensky highly appreciated Vietnam's stance; thanked the Government and people of Vietnam for providing humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.

The Prime Minister thanked Ukraine for its support in ensuring the safety and evacuation of Vietnamese citizens. He hoped that the Ukrainian government would continue to support in ensuring the safety of the lives and property of Vietnamese citizens who continue to live, work and operate in Ukraine.

Meeting with South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo , the two sides appreciated the close cooperation between the two governments in effectively implementing the Vietnam - South Korea Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the agreements reached between the two countries' senior leaders in recent times.

Vietnamese-Korean.jpg
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo conveyed an invitation to Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to visit Korea. Photo: VNA

The Korean Prime Minister emphasized that the Korean people and government always think of Vietnam as a very close friend; the relationship between the two countries is a special one, increasingly close, contributing to peace and stability in the region and the world.

The two Prime Ministers agreed to continue promoting substantive, effective and comprehensive cooperation in bilateral relations based on political trust between senior leaders and close relations between businesses, localities and people of the two countries; promoting substantive and mutually beneficial cooperation, focusing on creating a major shift in economic cooperation. Cultural and people-to-people exchanges are a solid foundation for strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in many fields.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh suggested that South Korea continue to create more favorable conditions for Vietnam’s key products; encourage South Korean enterprises to continue expanding their investment scale in Vietnam; actively build research and development (R&D) centers, and support Vietnam in developing the entertainment, cultural and fashion industries.

The two leaders affirmed that they will continue to closely coordinate and support each other at regional and international forums. In the face of escalating tensions in many regions, the two sides also agreed to continue to support respect for the principles of international law and the United Nations Charter.

At the meeting with Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo , Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh invited the King and Queen of Belgium as well as Prime Minister Alexander De Croo to soon visit Vietnam.

Regarding economic and trade cooperation, the two Prime Ministers encouraged agencies and businesses of the two countries to continue to fully and effectively implement the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh suggested that Belgium soon complete the ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA); strengthen cooperation in the fields of digital transformation, renewable energy, green transformation, and circular economy; promote cultural exchanges, and link culture with tourism.

Regarding the Strategic Partnership on Agriculture, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh asked Belgium to support the development of circular agricultural economic models and smart agriculture.

Vietnam-Belgium.jpg
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Belgian Prime Minister. Photo: VNA

Prime Minister Alexander De Croo affirmed that EVFTA is an important driving force to promote economic and trade relations between the two sides; shared concerns and will promote early approval of EVIPA.

The two Prime Ministers affirmed to continue to closely coordinate and support each other at multilateral forums and international organizations, contributing to ensuring peace, security, cooperation and development in the region and the world.

At the meeting with WEF Founder and Chairman Klaus Schwab , Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Professor Klaus Schwab discussed major topics of this year's WEF Davos Conference, current challenges, new development trends and cooperation between Vietnam and WEF.

Appreciating the theme “Rebuilding trust”, the Prime Minister said that this is a practical, appropriate and important theme in the current context, contributing to the process of strengthening trust, promoting international solidarity, inspiring all countries to join hands for the development of humanity.

The Prime Minister appreciated WEF's assistance in exchanging, consulting, building policies, connecting with WEF member businesses, and promoting the attraction of high-quality foreign investment in Vietnam.

Professor Klaus Schwab said that the Prime Minister's participation, profound sharing, and strategic vision brought important messages and solutions to respond to challenges and restore global confidence. The WEF President highly appreciated Vietnam's many start-up businesses, its strong reforming economy, focusing on high-tech, manufacturing, promoting green development,... and will soon become one of the 20 largest economies in the world.

The Prime Minister invited Professor Klaus Schwab and WEF leaders to visit Vietnam soon. Vietnam is ready to coordinate with WEF to organize mid-term conferences in Vietnam, promote connectivity and promote the role of WEF in the region.