Vol. 434 No. 3
45 Mr. Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in view of the Government's interest in establishing trade and other links with countries in the Pacific region, he will give his views on the need to establish diplomatic and other links with Vietnam.
Ireland's network of diplomatic relations with other states is kept under constant review in the light of our national and international interests and the availability of resources. The desirability of strengthening our ties with countries in the Pacific region is one of the factors of which we are conscious. It would be inappropriate, however, to speculate on possible developments in our relationship with any individual country, since that would be a matter for discussion and agreement with the Government concerned.
Negotiations are expected to begin shortly on the signing of a Co-operation Agreement between the European Community and Vietnam. I strongly support the conclusion of such an agreement which I believe will serve to strengthen the links between Vietnam and the European Community.
