(VOVworld) – EC President Manuel Barroso was given an honorary doctorate from Hanoi’s National Economics University on Tuesday. The same day, he met with Ho Chi Minh City’s Mayor and Vietnamese and European entrepreneurs.

On Monday, at a meeting with President Truong Tan Sang, Barroso said the European Union values its ties with Vietnam and that the two have a wealth of opportunity and a great deal of potential for expanding their relations in the future. He highlighted the relationship between the EU and ASEAN of which Vietnam is a key player. Baroso voiced EU’s support for resolving disputes through diplomatic channels and maintaining peace and stability in accordance with international law.

EC President Manuel Barroso and Vietnam's President Truong Tan Sang (Photo: VNA)

President Truong Tan Sang asked for Baroso’s support for negotiations toward adopting the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement by the end of this year. Mr. Truong Tan Sang said Vietnam treasures ties with the EU and sees no barrier in expanding bilateral relations. He was confident that Vietnam-EU economics and trade will make great strides after the free trade agreement is signed.

The two leaders agreed on the desirability of peacefully resolving the East Sea disputes with respect for international law, the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, and the security, safety and liberalization of international maritime trade.