Socialist Republic of Vietnam

Noi, Sept. 28 (VNA) -- Prime Minister Phan Van Khai on Sept. 28 wrapped up his 10-day European tour during which four agreements were signed between Viet Nam and European countries to pave the way for stronger bilateral ties and cooperation.

These include an agreement on investment promotion and protection signed with Iceland; a framework agreement on cooperation, with Luxembourg; an agreement on scientific-technological cooperation, with Belgium; and a framework agreement on cooperation between Viet Nam's Government Office and French-speaking regions of Belgium.

The PM's trip, including attendance of the fourth Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM-4), has helped lift Viet Nam's position in the world, said Trinh Duc Du, Director of the Foreign Ministry's Northwest Europe Department.

The European Union (EU) and the four European countries have expressed their full support for Viet Nam's accession to the World Trade Organisation as well as their commitment to press ahead with preferential policies on development cooperation with Viet Nam, considering it an official development assistance (ODA) beneficiary.

The EU has decided to continue its import of Viet Nam's textiles and garments and has imported the country's aquatic products without chemical residue examnination, the official said.

Iceland was the first leg of Khai's European tour which also included Denmark, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the EU.--Enditem