
Describing Vietnam as animportant partner, Guerrier said the EU has developed a strategy for the Indo-Pacificregion in which Vietnam holds a critically important position in terms ofeconomy, population, and geographical location.
During his tenure, heexpressed wish to fulfill the task of supporting Vietnam in its socio-economicrecovery post pandemic, contributing to realising its ambitious goals ofachieving high-income status by 2045 and net-zero emissions by 2050.
This support goes beyond ideas and expertise but also involves very concrete tools,namely the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement already in effect; the GlobalGateway funding mechanism, which allocates over 300 billion EUR to variouscountries globally, including Vietnam; the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP); the Horizon Europe funding programme with over 100 billion USD forresearch and innovation; and the EnhancingSecurity Cooperation In and With Asia (ESIWA) project, he noted.
The ambassador wished thatboth sides would further step up people-to-people exchanges, mutual visits and education cooperation like the upcoming Study in EuropeFair in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.
Regarding the removal of the illegal, unreportedand unregulated (IUU) fishing warning against Vietnam’s aquatic products, hesaid it is an important topic that has been under discussion between both sidesfor several years. He commended Vietnam's efforts in actively establishing alegal framework for IUU. However, he said what is even more crucial is that theVietnamese fishermen must rigorously follow these legal regulations.
Hoping the issue willbe resolved promptly, he added that a delegation from the European Commissionwill visit Vietnam in October to review the situation.
About cultural and heritageexchanges, he said the annual events promoting European literature, cinema andeducation have been welcomed by the Vietnamese people. Vietnam is an attractivedestination for European travellers, and vice versa.
According to him, many Vietnamese studentsand graduates have chosen Europe for their study over the past years. The EUoffers the Erasmus Mundus, the largest master's and doctoral scholarshipprogramme in Europe, and many young Vietnamese have received thesescholarships. The "Study in Europe" event, scheduled for October 1 inHo Chi Minh City and October 7 in Hanoi, will provide valuable informationabout life and education in Europe.
Informing the press aboutthe upcoming European film festivals in several major Vietnamese cities, Guerrierhoped for enhanced bilateral cultural cooperation.
With rich and long-standingcultural histories, the European countries have maintained their culturalidentity while undergoing modern development, he said, adding that the EU isready to share this experience with Vietnam./.