(VOVworld) – Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung left Hanoi on Sunday for a European tour of Belgium, the EU, and Germany, to attend the 10^th ASEM Summit in Italy and to visit the Vatican.

The visit to Belgium is aimed at boosting bilateral cooperation in the areas of seaports, green growth, high-tech, and development assistance. The two sides will also discuss regional and global issues of common concern. Prime Minister Dung’s European tour seeks to determine orientations for Vietnam-EU cooperation in the coming years, complete negotiations for the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement, and boost cooperation at multilateral forums such as the UN, ASEM, and ASEAN-EU. During the visit to Germany, the two countries will deploy the Vietnam-Germany Strategic Action Plan, promote bilateral cooperation and discuss preparations for the 40^th anniversary of diplomatic ties next year. While attending the 10^th ASEM Summit in Milan, Italy, Vietnam will contribute to the summit’s important contents and coordinate in the areas of development and security. Prime Minister Dung will visit the Vatican at the invitation of Pope Francis on October 18.