At the talks following the welcome ceremony, the two Prime Ministers expressed their pleasure at the fine development of the Viet Nam-Austria relations over the past nearly five decades since the two countries established diplomatic relations.

Prime Minister Sebastian Kurz spoke highly of Viet Nam’s achievements in socio-economic development and international integration and the Southeast Asian country’s rising role in the region and the world.

The two leaders discussed on measures to foster bilateral cooperation across politics-diplomacy, security and defense, economy, trade, investment, culture and tourism.

They agreed to further strengthen the exchange of delegations at all levels and effectively operate the existing cooperation mechanisms, especially their Intergovernmental Committee.

Viet Nam is the biggest Southeast Asian trade partner of Austria while the latter is one of the biggest importers of the former in European Union.

As a close friend of Viet Nam and the EU Chair, Austria supports early signing and ratification of the Viet Nam-EU free trade agreement, which is expected to open up vast opportunities for trade and investment linkages between the two sides, said Prime Minister Sebastian Kurz.

The two Prime Ministers shake hands before their talks at the Hofburg Imperial Palace. Photo: VGP

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Phuc extended thanks to active assistance of the Government of Austria over the past time as well as preferential credit for Viet Nam in such fields like railway, healthcare and vocational training.

The two Prime Ministers vowed to encourage businesses of the two countries to enhance partnership in Viet Nam’s priority areas like transport infrastructure, clean energy, vocational training, science and technology, tourism, healthcare and development of smart cities.

PM Phuc took the occasion to convey thanks to the Austrian side for their support for the Vietnamese community in Austria.

The two Prime Ministers hold talks at the Hofburg Imperial Palace. Photo: VGP

During the talks, both sides also exchanged views on regional and international issues of common concern. They shared visions and pledged to boost cooperation at international forums and organizations, particularly at ASEM, ASEAN-EU, and the United Nations.

The two sides underlined the importance of maintaining peace, security and stability for cooperation and development and peaceful settlement of differences and disputes in the East Sea in accordance with international law, the United Nations Charter and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

After the talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing ceremony of documents on upgrading medical equipment for Cho Ray Hospital, science and technology cooperation, and e-commerce cooperation./.