Welcoming EC President Costa, PM Chinh said the visit is of particular significance as Vietnam and the EU have just elevated their relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He described the upgrade as a historic milestone reflecting a new stage of development in the bilateral ties and conveying a strong message in support of cooperation at the regional and global levels.
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.
Given the strong partnership built over the past 35 years, the EU hopes to soon elevate relations with Vietnam to a comprehensive strategic partnership, said Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Vietnam Rafael de Bustamante Tello.
Vietnam-EU trade has nearly tripled within a decade, reaching 67 billion EUR in 2024, despite a turbulent geopolitical environment. Vietnam is now the EU’s largest trading partner in ASEAN, while the EU remains a benchmark market with the highest but most stable standards for Vietnamese exports.
Ties that began in 1990 have matured into one of the EU’s deepest engagements with any ASEAN nation, noted Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang.
Vietnam and the EU promised to broaden collaboration in potential fields, particularly trade and investment, green economy, digital transformation, circular economy, sustainable fisheries, clean energy transition, sci-tech, innovation, infrastructure and climate adaptation, with sci-tech and innovation flagged as a new pillar.
Over the past 35 years, the Vietnam - EU partnership has developed on trust, shared values, and a strong commitment to progress, with cooperation covering trade, sustainable development, innovation, governance, and global security, said EU Ambassador to Vietnam Julien Guerrier.
Photo: Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh
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.
Vietnam is promoting green growth and deep international integration, diversifying markets, and seizing opportunities from science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation to generate new growth drivers, Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son said at the high-level session on global affairs within the framework of the 2nd Global Gateway Forum in Brussels, Belgium, on the afternoon of October 9 (local time).
Deputy PM Bui Thanh Son asked the EU to respond to Vietnam’s draft joint statement on the partnership elevation, and accelerate the ratification of the EVIPA by the remaining members.
The head of the European Parliament delelegation at AIPA-46 highlighted the effective implementation of the EU – Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), describing it as a model for the EU’s negotiations with other partners.
On September 16, at talks with First Vice President of the Belgian Senate Andries Gryffoy, NA Vice Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Thanh affirmed that Vietnam attaches importance to developing friendship and multifaceted cooperation with Belgium. She noted that bilateral ties have grown positively in various fields over the past five decades, especially since the establishment of their strategic partnership in agriculture in 2018.
Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang called for deepening cooperation in a balanced and mutually beneficial manner, beyond traditional areas like politics, diplomacy, trade, investment, national defence, and security to include emerging areas such as sci-tech, green transition, digital transformation, labour, vocational training, and sustainable fisheries.
The EU should strengthen its ties with Southeast Asia — a populous, youthful, and dynamically growing region with great development potential, PM Pham Minh Chinh stressed, affirming that Vietnam stands ready to serve as a bridge to help the EU deepen its relationship with the region.
State President Luong Cuong noted the country’s steadfast foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralism, and diversification. A responsible member of the international community, Vietnam supports resolving disputes peacefully in accordance with international law, firmly opposing all forms of using or threatening to use force in international relations.
The conference featured more than 20 in-depth presentations from Vietnamese scientists, entrepreneurs, and scholars residing in Europe. A notable highlight was the participants’ consensus and enthusiasm to contribute, particularly in line with the Politburo’s recently issued Resolution 57, which calls for mobilising the global Vietnamese intellectual network to help build a strong and prosperous nation by 2045.
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).
The Party chief underlined that the EU remains a top partner in Vietnam’s foreign policy and noted with satisfaction the dynamic and comprehensive growth of the bilateral ties across all areas since the establishment of diplomatic relations 35 years ago (1990–2025).
Building upon the results of the EU JULE project’s Phase 1 (2018–2024), the EU’s support in the next phase will help address challenges in strengthening the effectiveness and efficiency of Vietnam's legal and judicial institutions, said Chief Justice of the Supreme People's Court of Vietnam Le Minh Tri.
Kaja Kallas, Vice President of the European Commission (EC) and High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Union (EU) affirmed that Vietnam is one of the EU's key partners in Asia-Pacific and expressed a strong wish to elevate the relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership in the near future.
Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha affirmed that Vietnam has always placed great importance on and is committed to further strengthening its relationship with the EU and enhancing cooperation with the EIB.
Standing Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu hosted a delegation from the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs and French Ambassadors in Asia led by Benoit Guidée, Director General of the ministry's Asia-Pacific Department in Hanoi on December 16.
Vietnam and the EU have reviewed bilateral cooperation within the framework of their Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) at the fifth meeting of their Joint Committee held recently in Hanoi.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang and Director General for Asia and the Pacific at the European External Action Service (EEAS) Niclas Kvarnström co-chaired the fifth meeting of the Vietnam-EU Joint Committee within the framework of the EU-Vietnam Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) in Hanoi on October 22.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son met with Vice-President of the European Commission (EC) Margaritis Schinas in Ho Chi Minh City on October 21 on the sidelines of the ongoing Green Economy Forum & Exhibition (GEFE).