President of the European Council António Costa will pay an official visit to Vietnam from January 28 – 29.
Hanoi (VNA) – President of the European Council António Costa will pay an official visit to Vietnam from January 28 – 29.
The visit will be made at the invitation of Vietnamese State President Luong Cuong, according to an announcement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs./.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with President of the European Council Antonio Costa to discuss bilateral cooperation and issues of mutual concerns on October 27, within the framework of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Party General Secretary To Lam expressed his gratitude to the European Union (EU) and the President of the European Council himself for their warm congratulations on the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and national reunification (April 30, 1975–2025).
PM Chinh also said that in 2026, Vietnam clearly identifies the CPTPP - EU Trade and Investment Dialogue as one of the top priorities.
The following is a brief review of the day’s events as reported by the Vietnam News Agency.
President Cuong welcomed the positive outcomes of Vietnam–Laos cooperation in recent years, stressing that amid complex developments of the regional and global situation, closer solidarity, regular information-sharing and coordinated positions between the two countries are more necessary than ever to support each other’s development goals.
The harmonious combination of political stability, economic development, innovation and expanded international cooperation is expected to enable Vietnam to move forward confidently in a new development phase.
The upcoming official visit to Vietnam by President of the European Council (EC) António Costa reflects the EU’s recognition and appreciation of Vietnam’s foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation and diversification of international relations, while affirming the country’s growing stature and credibility in the international arena, particularly as a key partner of EU in the Asia–Pacific region.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has stressed that the construction of nuclear power plants is a major project of strategic significance, involving new and high technologies and carrying sensitive isues, particularly in terms of nuclear safety.
The two leaders held in-depth exchanges on major guidelines and policies set out in the resolutions of the congresses, as well as the regional and international situation, and orientations for further promoting the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion between Vietnam and Laos in the new period.
While describing the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, held from January 19-23, as a historical milestone that carries not only domestic significance but also profound implications for stability in ASEAN, Dr. Kin Phea, Director of the International Relations Institute under the Royal Academy of Cambodia (RAC), stressed that Party building is the core of leadership capacity.
President of the India–Vietnam Solidarity Committee Kusum Jain spoke highly of the development goals and orientations adopted by the Congress, particularly the target of achieving an average economic growth rate of around 10% during the 2026–2030 period, in association with a green growth model, innovation and digital transformation.
Amid volatile global geopolitical and economic conditions, the 14th National Party Congress’s message of stability, solidarity, and long-term vision provides a crucial foundation for the country’s sustainable development.
Cultural ties form an important basis for political dialogue both domestically and internationally. In this context, strengthening cultural diplomacy and people-to-people diplomacy would help build a positive and sustainable image of Vietnam on the global stage.
The rapidly changing international environment, marked by profound disruptions across most sectors, is presenting both opportunities and challenges for the realisation of the development goals set out by the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) in the period ahead, said former Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Andrew Goledzinowski.
This trip reflects the highest level of political trust, the special bond and close coordination between the two Parties and the two countries. It contributes to elevating the bilateral relations and providing strategic direction for comprehensive, effective and substantive cooperation in the new stage of development of the bilateral relationship.
The most prominent hallmarks of the 13th National Party Congress term have been the clear demonstration of leadership capacity, political mettle, steadfast commitment to goals and ideals, and resilience in steering national development and safeguarding the Fatherland.
Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security will continue to work closely with its Lao counterpart across all areas, striving to fulfil all tasks entrusted by the Parties, States and people of the two countries, thereby contributing to further deepening the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion between Vietnam and Laos in general, and between the two public security ministries in particular, Minister of Public Security Luong Tam Quang said.
The documents presented at the 14th Congress designate “environmental protection” alongside socio-economic development as a central task, while foreign affairs and international integration are placed on par with defence and security, becoming key and ongoing priorities.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Minh Tam highlighted that Party General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith’s selection of Vietnam as the first country to visit following the successful National Congresses of both Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and Communist Party of Vietnam carries profound political and diplomatic significance.
The Congress documents’ emphasis on “people as the centre and subject” of all policymaking, along with the principle of “people as the foundation,” represents a revolutionary step in national governance thinking. This approach lays a solid foundation for building a socialist rule-of-law state.
Vietnam’s experience and development practices are not only significant domestically, but also make important contributions to the theory and practice of socialism construction worldwide, serving as a valuable reference for countries seeking to build a fair, progressive, and sustainably developed society
Due to the severity of his illness, former Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea (RoK) Lee Hae-chan passed away in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Pham Thu Hang said on January 25.
Leaders of countries and international organisations have sent their congratulatory messages and letters to To Lam on his re-election as General Secretary of the 14th Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV).
