PM Phuc: EU a leading partner of Vietnam

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has highlighted the European Union as Vietnam’s highly important partner while noting that bilateral relations are growing steadily, as demonstrated by regular exchange of high-level meetings aiming to deepen mutual understanding and trust.
pm phuc: eu a leading partner of vietnam hinh 0

At a reception in Hanoi on January 7 for Vice President of the European Parliament (EP) Heidi Hautala , the government leader said Vietnam has always regarded cooperation between its National Assembly and the European Parliament (EP) as an important pillar of bilateral relations.

He expressed his confidence that this visit to Vietnam by the EP Vice President will contribute to fostering Vietnam-EU ties as well as between the two legislative bodies.

Heidi Hautala told PM Phuc that during the visit, the EP working delegation will hold working sessions with Vietnam’s relevant offices and survey the enforcement of the Voluntary Partnership Agreement on Forest Law Enforcement, Governance, and Trade (VPA/FLEGT).

With regard to the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), she affirmed that the EP will continue listening to Vietnam’s proposals to expedite the ratification of the agreement which is a next-generation FTA. She asked both sides to ensure the effective enforcement to achieve sustainable trade development and assured the EU’s willingness to support Vietnam during the process.

pm phuc: eu a leading partner of vietnam hinh 1
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc hosts EP Vice President Heidi Hautala. 

Phuc said that Vietnam-EU relations hold development potential and a wealth of opportunities and as such, the two sides should carry out specific measures, including intensifying all-level delegation exchanges, increasing the efficiency of cooperative channels on politics, diplomacy, economics, and development cooperation.

He voiced his hope to receive support from the EP and its Vice President to help accelerate the ratification of the EVFTA, affirming that the early enforcement of the agreement will add fresh impetus for wider cooperation between the two sides especially in economics.

Regarding illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, the PM said that after receiving a “yellow card” warning from the European Commission, the entire political system of Vietnam has joined hands to take drastic measures to combat IUU fishing. He asked for the EP Vice President’s support in calling for the EC’s removal of the yellow card.

Concerning the VPA/FLEGT, Phuc said that Vietnam and the EU officially signed the agreement during his working visit to the EU last October and emphasized Vietnam’s policy of developing the forestry sector sustainably, with a focus on developing timber processing for export and using materials legally.

He informed his guest that he had assigned the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to work together with relevant offices to speed up the finalization of documents for submission towards the ratification of the agreement in the first quarter of 2019.

Vietnam desires to receive support from the EP and its Vice President towards an early ratification of the agreement which serves as a legal foundation for Vietnam’s wood and timber products exported to the EU have official origin certificates, thus bringing about greater economic benefits to both sides.

VOV

Other News

Party General Secretary and President meets Vietnamese community in New Zealand

Party General Secretary and President meets Vietnamese community in New Zealand

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and President To Lam described overseas Vietnamese as “ambassadors” who help promote Vietnam's positive image internationally, and urged them to maintain solidarity, preserve national pride and cultural traditions, and make practical contributions to the country's development.

Vietnamese Party leader attends funeral service for top Lao legislator

Vietnamese Party leader attends funeral service for top Lao legislator

The Party leader stressed that the passing of NA President Xaysomphone is a great loss to the Lao Party, State and people, while Vietnam has also lost a great friend and a close, loyal comrade who had always held deep affection for the country, offered valuable support, and worked tirelessly to nurture and consolidate the Vietnam-Laos great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion.

Singapore remains one of Vietnam's leading important partners: PM

Singapore remains one of Vietnam's leading important partners: PM

Highlighting positive outcomes in Vietnam-Singapore cooperation across all areas, particularly since bilateral ties were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in March 2025, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung proposed that the two sides maintain and step up high-level visits and exchanges at all levels.

Vietnam, Australia hold 8th Foreign Ministers' Meeting

Vietnam, Australia hold 8th Foreign Ministers' Meeting

Australia attaches great importance to its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Vietnam and highly values the substantive progress in bilateral relations, said Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong.

Quang Ninh, Bac Ninh urged to embrace modern urban governance

Quang Ninh, Bac Ninh urged to embrace modern urban governance

According to Government proposals submitted to the legislature, Quang Ninh and Bac Ninh cities will be formed based on the respective natural areas, populations and numbers of commune-level administrative units of the two provinces. Both proposals meet all five conditions stipulated in the Law on Organisation of Local Administration No. 72/2025/QH15 and all seven criteria for establishing centrally-run cities under Resolution No. 112/2025/UBTVQH15.

Laos holds State funeral for National Assembly President

Laos holds State funeral for National Assembly President

Xaysomphone Phomvihane was a capable revolutionary intellectual with broad knowledge and a strategic vision. Throughout his career, he remained committed to the Party's ideals and objectives, and demonstrated responsibility, flexibility and discipline in carrying out his assigned tasks.

Prime Minister receives outgoing Israeli Ambassador

Prime Minister receives outgoing Israeli Ambassador

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung asked the Israeli Government to continue creating favourable conditions for Vietnamese people living, studying and working in Israel at a meeting with outgoing Israeli Ambassador to Vietnam Yaron Mayer in Hanoi on August 12.

Party General Secretary and President To Lam, Australian Prime Minister meet the press

Party General Secretary and President To Lam, Australian Prime Minister meet the press

Vietnam and Australia will step up cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, digital technology, cybersecurity, green technology and emerging technologies, while supporting each other in enhancing capacity to participate more deeply in regional and global supply chains. The two sides will also strengthen cooperation in education and training and people-to-people exchanges.

Top Vietnamese leader holds talks with Australian PM

Top Vietnamese leader holds talks with Australian PM

PM Albanese welcomed General Secretary and President Lam and the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation on their state visit to Australia, stressing its signficance amid the rapidly growing ties, particularly since the two countries elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in March 2024.

Top leader meets with Australian Senate President, House Speaker

Top leader meets with Australian Senate President, House Speaker

Welcoming General Secretary and President Lam and the Vietnamese high-ranking delegation, the Australian parliamentary leaders spoke highly of Vietnam’s development achievements and expressed their admiration for the dynamism and creativity of the country and its people, particularly young Vietnamese. They said this energy and determination reflected Vietnam’s strong resolve and aspiration to build a prosperous and powerful nation.

Vietnamese top legislator pays tribute to Lao NA President

Vietnamese top legislator pays tribute to Lao NA President

Writing in the book of condolences, the Vietnamese leader expressed his profound sorrow over the passing of Comrade Xaysomphone Phomvihane, describing it as a great loss to the Lao Party, State, NA and people, as well as to Vietnam, which had lost a great friend and loyal comrade who made important contributions to strengthening and developing the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion between the two countries.