Prime Minister Chinh stressed Vietnam always attaches importance to the strategic partnership with Germany, expressing his hope for closer relations between the two countries in all areas. For her part, Merkel said Germany always considers Vietnam as an important partner in the country’s policy towards the region. Highly valuing the bilateral ties, the German chancellor said that the two countries are seeing great opportunities and prospects that should be strongly promoted. The two leaders agreed to soon resume delegation exchanges, high-level contacts and strengthen cooperation mechanisms, focusing on improving the effectiveness of the joint committee on economic cooperation between Vietnam and Germany. They affirmed to continue working closely and support each other at international forums and organisations, especially the ASEAN-EU relations./.