Brussels (VNA) – The European Union (EU) always affirms that Vietnam is an important partnerin the region, Vietnamese Ambassador to Belgium and head of the VietnameseDelegation to the European Union (EU) Nguyen Van Thao told Vietnam NewsAgency in a recent interview.

The interviewtook place ahead of Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha’s trip to Brussels to attend the Global Gateway Forum from October 25-26 at the invitationof President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.

Thao said itwill be the first time the EU has held the forum with topics covering sustainable development, energytransition, health care, education and connecting the EU with countries in theregion, which match Vietnam's priorities and interests.

Accordingto him, the forum will attract considerable interest from countries, especiallythose in Central Asia, Europe, and Africa, during which Ha will delivera keynote speech on green transformation and energy transition, a topic towhich Vietnam is strongly committed on the global stage.

Vietnam's attendanceand Deputy PM Ha's speech will reaffirm that Vietnam is a responsible memberjoining in addressing critical issues alongside the world. It also reiteratesthe Government's determination and specific actions in fulfilling commitmentsmade at the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties(COP 26) in Glasgow, the UK, in 2021.

Theambassador expressed his belief that via the event, cooperation between the EU andVietnam will grow remarkably, especially in areas of Vietnam’s interest.

The eventwill afford the Vietnamese side a chance to share experience and discuss jointwork with countries globally to deal with common issues, he said.

As part ofthe event, a cooperation agreement will be signed between the EuropeanInvestment Bank (EIB) and the Vietnamese Ministry of Finance, a concrete step taken by Vietnam in implementing the Just Energy TransitionPartnership established in 2022 with G7 countries and the EU.

Thaorevealed that the EU highly values the agreement signing between EIB andVietnam, adding that other sessions on digital infrastructure, education, andhealth care also create opportunities to enhance cooperation between Vietnamand the EU and other countries around the world.

He added that EU leaders and officials will hold meetings with Deputy PM Haand his entourage, demonstrating the EU's high regard for its relationship withVietnam.

Thediplomat expressed his belief that with the promotion of cooperation betweenVietnam and the EU in new areas such as green development, sustainability, digitaleconomy and blue economy, their collaboration will yield even better outcomes./.