President of the Belgium - Vietnam Friendship Association (ABV) Pierre Gréga in an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency (Photo: VNA)
Bilateral cooperation has been developing diversely, with economic and trade ties covering a large proportion aside from political, cultural, scientific, and training connections, he told the Vietnam News Agency on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the countries’ diplomatic relationship (March 22).
Cooperation has been promoted at both the governmental and local levels, he noted, elaborating that the Flanders and Wallonia regions along with the French-speaking community of Belgium have been implementing many projects assisting Vietnam.
The two sides also boast much potential for tourism and healthcare cooperation, Gréga went on.
With regard to politics, he touched upon the collaboration in settling war consequences in Vietnam, including the Agent Orange (AO) issue.
In their recent visit to Vietnam, an ABV delegation had a working session with the Vietnam Peace Committee and the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO) and affirmed that many projects will be carried out, especially those assisting AO/dioxin victims.
The ABV pledges to support Tran To Nga, who is struggling against chemicals companies of the US to seek justice for AO/dioxin victims in Vietnam, he said, adding that the association is liaising with a company in Belgium to implement a dioxin detoxification project in Dong Nai province.
Describing economic cooperation potential as huge, Gréga said that at a workshop held at the Hanoi-based Foreign Trade University on February 23, a brewery in Hainaut province of Belgium managed to connect with a Vietnamese firm to form partnership.
Besides, Namur city, home to a number of unique festivals, is also continuing to bolster ties with Hue, its twin city in Vietnam, according to the ABV President.
He also expressed his intention to connect friendship associations in European countries such as France, Germany, Switzerland, the UK, Spain, and Hungary with Vietnam to increase exchanges within both bilateral and multilateral frameworks.
The ABV will join the Vietnam - Belgium Friendship Association in further stepping up people-to-people exchanges and assisting each other to fulfill their role in helping foster bilateral cooperation, Gréga added./.
Q.Hoa t.h / VNA
