Vietnam, EU Pledge to Deepen Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
Brussels, The Gulf Observer: General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and State President To Lam held talks with European Council President António Costa during his official visit to the European Union (EU), reaffirming their commitment to strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and expanding cooperation in emerging areas.
President Costa warmly welcomed To Lam and the high-level Vietnamese delegation, recalling his positive impressions of Vietnam and the warm reception he received during his visit to the country in early January. He said the early reunion of the two leaders reflected growing political trust between Vietnam and the EU, describing Vietnam as an important partner for the bloc in the Indo-Pacific region.
Costa expressed confidence that both sides would build on their strong political ties and positive record of cooperation to deepen their partnership further and deliver tangible benefits to their peoples.
To Lam, making his first visit to the EU in his new capacity, praised the European Council and Costa for their role in shaping the bloc’s strategic priorities, promoting unity among member states, and strengthening the EU’s autonomy and resilience. He also appreciated the EU’s contributions to peace, stability, cooperation and development globally.
The Vietnamese leader reaffirmed that Vietnam considered the EU one of its top-priority partners, highlighting substantial shared interests and considerable potential for long-term cooperation. He stressed the need to translate mutual commitments into concrete results and practical projects that promote development and improve livelihoods on both sides.
Both leaders welcomed progress in Vietnam–EU relations after more than 36 years of diplomatic ties, particularly following the elevation of bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in January 2026.
Against the backdrop of complex regional and global developments, they agreed to strengthen dialogue, exchanges and contacts at all levels, particularly at the highest level, to consolidate political trust and mutual understanding.
They also called for more effective cooperation and new breakthroughs in areas aligned with their respective development priorities, including the green transition, innovation, strategic infrastructure and the circular economy.
Sharing a vision for a green maritime economy, ocean protection and maritime security, the two leaders agreed to explore opportunities to develop maritime economic cooperation as a potential new pillar of bilateral relations.
Boosting Trade, Investment and Connectivity
To Lam called for stronger economic, trade and investment relations, urging both sides to make more effective use of the opportunities offered by the Vietnam–EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).
He expressed appreciation for the EU’s recognition of Vietnam’s efforts and its removal from Annex I of the EU list of non-cooperative tax jurisdictions.
The Vietnamese leader also called for closer coordination to address longstanding issues, including lifting the EU’s “yellow card” warning over illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing by Vietnam and securing the early ratification of the EU–Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).
Costa reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to strengthening substantive cooperation with Vietnam, highlighting the potential of European initiatives, including Global Gateway, to promote high-quality investment, sustainable connectivity infrastructure and the energy transition.
The EU also expressed readiness to expand cooperation and share expertise in maritime security and safety, cybersecurity and crisis management. Both sides would coordinate their responses to non-traditional challenges, particularly climate change and emerging technological developments, including artificial intelligence.
Costa said such cooperation would be pursued in accordance with the needs, priorities and shared interests of both sides.
Supporting Multilateralism and Maritime Security
The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and international developments, agreeing to strengthen consultations and coordination at multilateral forums while upholding multilateralism, the United Nations Charter and international law.
They emphasised the importance of making effective use of ASEAN–EU relations to promote peace, stability, cooperation and development throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
Costa underscored the EU’s commitment to strengthening ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), describing Vietnam as a leading partner as the two blocs work towards upgrading their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2027, marking the 50th anniversary of their dialogue relations.
He reaffirmed the EU’s support for ASEAN centrality and for ASEAN’s and Vietnam’s positions on the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Both sides stressed the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security and safety in seas and oceans, alongside safeguarding freedom of navigation and overflight.
The talks reaffirmed Vietnam and the EU’s shared commitment to strengthening their strategic partnership, expanding practical cooperation and contributing to a rules-based international order amid growing regional and global challenges.
