On the sidelines of the ongoing 54th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF-54) in Davos, Switzerland, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh had bilateral meetings with the premiers of South Korea and Belgium, and the president of Ukraine on Tuesday afternoon (local time).

The WEF-54 commenced on Monday and will last until Friday with the theme of 'Rebuilding Trust,' bringing together more than 2,800 leaders from 120 countries.

PM Chinh is attending the event at the invitation of WEF founder and executive chairman Klaus Schwab.

During the meeting with the Vietnamese government leader, South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck Soo underlined that his government and people always see Vietnam as a close friend and attach much significance to the ties between the two nations, according to the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The two leaders reached a consensus on deeper cooperation in various fields and stronger cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

PM Chinh proposed South Korea open its doors wider to Vietnamese commodities, encourage South Korean firms to expand their reach in the Southeast Asian nation, actively build research and development centers in Vietnam, and support the country with expansion in the fashion, culture, and entertainment industries.

The two leaders affirmed that the two countries will keep collaborating with each other closely at regional and international forums.

Amid escalated tensions in many regions, Vietnam and South Korea emphasize the need for respecting international law, especially the United Nations Charter, and settling international disputes by peaceful means.

On this occasion, PM Han invited his Vietnamese counterpart to pay an official visit to South Korea.

At the meeting with Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, PM Chinh underscored that Vietnam always treasures the relationship with Belgium, seeing Brussels as a key trade partner in the European Union.

The two leaders agreed to boost all-level delegation exchanges and spur cooperation between the two nations’ localities.

The Vietnamese premier proposed Belgium complete its ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), as well as foster its partnership with Vietnam in the digitalization, renewable energy, green transition, and circular economy realms.

With regard to agricultural cooperation, PM Chinh called on Belgium to help Vietnam develop smart agriculture and circular agriculture models.

Belgian PM Croo affirmed that his country will try to pass EVIPA as soon as possible.

Besides, PM Chinh suggested Brussels to throw its support behind ASEAN’s stance on the East Vietnam Sea issue, highlighting the importance of maintaining peace and guaranteeing the safety, security, and freedom of navigation and aviation in the critical waterway.

During the meeting between PM Chinh and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, the two leaders stressed that the two nations appreciate their traditional friendship and partnership.

PM Chinh asserted Vietnam’s consistent standing on the peaceful settlement of disputes based on international law and the UN Charter, including the respect for independence along with the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries.

The Ukrainian president highly valued Vietnam’s stance on peace, while thanking the Vietnamese government and people for humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.

PM Chinh expressed his gratitude to Ukraine for ensuring the safety of Vietnamese citizens and for evacuating them to safe places amid the war in Ukraine.

The Vietnamese leader proposed that the Ukrainian government continue to support the Vietnamese community and secure their assets there.

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