German Chancellor Angela Merkel announced that Germany and other European Union member states will raise the East Sea issue at the 10th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) taking place in Milan, Italy on October 16-17.

The statement was made in a press conference in Berlin on October 15 after talks with Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung.

Merkel expressed support for the peaceful settlement of disputes and the compliance with the international commitments of all parties involved.

In a meeting with the Vietnamese PM on the same day, German President Joachim Gauck made it clear that Germany continuously valued the development of friendly cooperation with Vietnam.

Both sides were committed to enhancing collaboration on politics, economics, education and training, he affirmed.

Later, the government leader met German Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Frank Walter Steinmeier, and asked for joint efforts to organise celebrations for the 40 th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties next year.

Steinmeier affirmed that Germany backed Vietnam’s efforts to strengthen its comprehensive collaboration with the European Union and would work closely with the country at multilateral forums and international organisations.

VNA/VNN