Introductory text

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Articles 113 and 130y, in conjunction with the first sentence of Article 228 (2) and the first subparagraph of Article 228 (3) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission^f1,

Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament^f2,

Whereas, under Article 130u of the Treaty, Community policy in the sphere of development cooperation shall foster the sustainable economic and social development of the developing countries, their smooth and gradual integration into the world economy and the campaign against poverty in those countries;

Whereas the Community should approve, for the attainment of its aims in the sphere of external relations, the Cooperation Agreement between the European Community and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam,

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: