Việt Nam, Portugal Pledge to Deepen Multifaceted Cooperation During High-Level Talks
Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính on February 27 received visiting Portuguese Minister of State and Foreign Affairs Paulo Rangel, reaffirming that Việt Nam attaches great importance to strengthening friendship and expanding multifaceted cooperation with Portugal.
Welcoming Minister Rangel’s visit, PM Chính described it as significant in concretising commitments made by senior leaders of both countries and in opening new, substantive and effective avenues for bilateral collaboration.
Building on Five Centuries of Historical Ties
Highlighting the historical bonds between the two peoples spanning more than five centuries, the Vietnamese leader described Portugal’s decision to open an embassy in Việt Nam as a landmark step. He said the move reflects Portugal’s determination to deepen bilateral ties and establish a solid foundation for cooperation across various sectors.
On the basis of positive relations and considerable untapped potential, PM Chính called for enhanced political trust and increased exchanges at all levels, particularly high-level visits. He stressed the need to elevate relations in a practical and effective manner, in line with evolving regional and global dynamics.
Economic Cooperation as a Central Pillar
Noting the complementary nature of the two economies, the Prime Minister proposed leveraging each country’s strengths to make economic, trade and investment cooperation a key pillar of bilateral relations. He suggested studying the establishment of formal cooperation mechanisms to facilitate stable and long-term collaboration.
In priority sectors, PM Chính encouraged stronger cooperation in renewable energy under the principle of “sharing risks and harmonising interests” to ensure efficiency and sustainability. He invited Portuguese enterprises to participate in offshore wind, solar power and energy infrastructure projects in Việt Nam.
He also emphasised significant opportunities in maritime economic development, proposing expanded cooperation in shipping, seaport development, shipbuilding and logistics, aligned with each country’s marine development strategies.
Promoting EU Agreements and Broader Exchanges
The Prime Minister urged closer coordination in implementing free trade agreements between Việt Nam and the European Union (EU), and called on Portugal to advocate for the swift ratification of the EU–Việt Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) by the remaining EU member states.
Beyond economic ties, PM Chính proposed expanding exchanges and sharing experience in digital transformation, innovation, healthcare, sports and education-training, including Portuguese language teaching. Citing strong tourism potential, he suggested facilitating travel between the two countries, including through mutual visa exemptions.
Portugal Reaffirms Strategic Interest in Việt Nam
For his part, Minister Rangel congratulated Việt Nam on the outcomes of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Việt Nam and praised the country’s historic development achievements and ambitious future goals.
He welcomed Việt Nam’s elevation of relations with the EU to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, noting that this strengthens cooperation with EU member states, including Portugal. He affirmed that Portugal regards Việt Nam as one of its key partners in Southeast Asia and seeks to deepen multifaceted cooperation.
Agreeing with PM Chính’s orientations, Rangel expressed readiness to promote high-level exchanges and enhance business connectivity to achieve the bilateral trade target of US$1 billion, as agreed by senior leaders. He also supported the early establishment of formal cooperation mechanisms.
The Portuguese minister highlighted strong cooperation potential in renewable energy and maritime sectors, affirming that Portuguese companies possess relevant expertise and technology and are keen to engage in projects in Việt Nam.
Commitment to Multilateralism and International Law
Both sides agreed to maintain close coordination at multilateral forums, uphold multilateralism and respect international law. PM Chính reiterated the principles that solidarity creates strength, cooperation brings benefits and dialogue builds trust.
Regarding the East Sea issue, the two sides underscored the importance of adhering to international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), while maintaining peace, stability and mutual trust among nations.
