40 years of bilateral diplomatic relations

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and Germany. To mark the occasion, numerous cultural events, exhibitions and concerts are being held in Viet Nam, to illustrate the special and diverse relations between the two countries.

Agreements signed

After his meeting with the Chancellor, Viet Nam’s President also met Federal Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Their meeting focused on new projects within the scope of the strategic partnership. The two sides also discussed the outcome of the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Economic Leaders’ Meeting on 18 and 19 November and the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Summit from 20 to 22 November, as well as the issue of regional security. The opportunities for German businesses arising from the establishing of the ASEAN Economic Community was another item on the agenda.

At the meeting several agreements between the two countries were signed, including the agreement on scientific and technological cooperation, the amended protocol to the agreement on air traffic and a declaration of intent in the forestry sector.

President received by Federal President Joachim Gauck

Earlier in the day, the Vietnamese President was welcomed with military honours by Federal President Joachim Gauck at Schloss Bellevue. Joachim Gauck expressed his expectation that Viet Nam will make progress on human rights and freedom of opinion. He said that he is optimistic that Viet Nam is undergoing a "positive process of transition".

Viet Nam’s President invited Joachim Gauck to return his visit in 2016.

Yesterday, President Truong Tan Sang met representatives of the German-Vietnamese community and the German-Vietnamese friendship association. This morning he also met members of the ASEAN parliamentarian group.

Focus on business issues

The Vietnamese President was accompanied by a high-ranking delegation, including the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Industry and Trade, the Minister of Science and Technology, the Minister of Transport and important business representatives.

On Thursday, President Truong Tan Sang will be visiting Frankfurt, where he will attend the Viet Nam Business Forum organised by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He will also visit the training workshop at Adam Opel AG and attend a meeting on innovative technologies.

The "Hanoi Declaration" established a strategic partnership between Germany and Viet Nam in 2011. It is intended to strengthen political, economic, cultural and development relations. Germany remains Viet Nam’s largest trading partner in the EU, with a volume of trade of 7.8 billion US dollars in 2014.