Hanoi (VNA) – After 35 years of partnership, the European Union (EU) and Vietnam are now ready to enter a new era of cooperation aimed at delivering sustainable benefits for citizens and businesses, EU Ambassador to Vietnam Julien Guerrier has stated.
At the invitation of State President Luong Cuong, President of the European Council Antonio Costa will pay an official visit to Vietnam from January 28 to 29.
Guerrier affirmed that the visit carries significant importance, sending a clear message to the world that the EU seeks to strengthen partnerships with countries like Vietnam – nations firmly committed to upholding international law and multilateralism.
Working toward upgrading Vietnam – EU relations
Vietnam and the EU established diplomatic relations on November 28, 1990. Over the past 35 years, their ties have evolved into one of the most dynamic and exemplary partnerships in the region, spanning trade, investment, sustainable development, security and defence, and people-to-people exchanges.
The ambassador stressed that the EU appreciates Vietnam’s hosting of the European Council President just days after the success of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam.
In an increasingly complex global geopolitical environment, Guerrier noted, the visit to Vietnam by a high-ranking EU leader underscores the bloc’s determination to deepen cooperation with partners, including Vietnam, thus helping build a rules-based and multilateral relations.
Over the last 35 years, Vietnam – EU relations have grown into one of the EU’s strongest and most wide-ranging partnerships, covering the economy, trade, investment, sustainability, security, defence, diplomacy, and people-to-people interactions, he stressed.
Guerrier said he believes the time is ripe for Vietnam and the EU to elevate their relationship to a new level.
He also noted that Vietnam is the first Southeast Asian country chosen by the EU for an upgrade to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, reflecting its pioneering role and setting a model for the EU’s relations with other countries in the region.
Strengthening three pillars of cooperation
According to the diplomat, looking ahead, the EU aims to deepen cooperation with Vietnam across three strategic pillars – trade, green transition, and peace and security.
The EU – Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) has helped boost bilateral trade by around 40% in the five years since it entered into force in 2020. Nevertheless, the EU believes there remains considerable room for further growth and hopes to achieve stronger outcomes, particularly as global trade is facing mounting challenges.
Regarding green transition, the EU has intensified discussions with Vietnamese ministries and sectors on renewable energy development and energy security in the new context—an orientation reaffirmed at the 14th National Party Congress.
For peace and security, the two sides have carried out extensive cooperation both bilaterally and within ASEAN. Vietnam has participated in peacekeeping operations and several EU missions in Africa. The EU hopes to further expand ties with Vietnam on maritime security, contributing to ensuring regional and global peace and security on the basis of respect for international law and multilateralism.
Beyond the three pillars, Ambassador Guerrier said the EU and Vietnam will further tap cooperation potential in emerging areas such as digital transformation, sciene – technology, innovation, semiconductors, digitalised value chains, and critical resources.
The upgrade of Vietnam – EU relations would considerably broaden the scope of cooperation and deliver tangible benefits across fields – from the economy and trade to science – technology, to improve people’s life quality and advance sustainable development, the diplomat stressed./.
