Vietnam-EU relations to grow further in coming years

With rapid development over the past 30 years, cooperation between Vietnam and the EU is expected to grow further in 2021 and the years to come, a Vietnamese official has said.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs To Anh Dung (Photo: VNA)

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs To Anh Dung (Photo: VNA)

With rapid development over the past 30 years, cooperation between Vietnam and the EU is expected to grow further in 2021 and the years to come, a Vietnamese official has said.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs To Anh Dung highlighted comprehensive developments of the Vietnam-EU relationship and considered prospects for the ties in a recent article published on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic ties (November 28).

Over the past three decades, the diplomatic ties have made rapid, outstanding strides, expanding from cooperation in certain areas to a comprehensive partnership, he said, noting this has affirmed the trust-worthy and friendly spirit and shared long-term vision of the two sides in efforts to elevate the bilateral relations and contribute to peace, cooperation and development regionally and globally.

The Deputy FM attributed the achievement to the dynamic shift from traditional fields to other potential realms.

The EU is one of Vietnam’s leading and strategic partners, which holds an important role in the international arena in terms of security and peace, as well as economy and development, Dung affirmed.

Meanwhile, Vietnam is a strong partner of the EU in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Asia-Pacific.

The two sides’ efforts to promote their bilateral ties can be seen in the regular exchange of high-ranking delegations and their close coordination in various fields, he added.

The two sides also supported each other in the COVID-19 pandemic fight, and the EU has provided aid for Vietnam’s central provinces affected by natural disasters last October, the official went on.

PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc witnessed the signing of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement. (Photo: VNA)

PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc witnessed the signing of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement. (Photo: VNA)

In the article, Dung highlighted the signing and ratification of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), effective since last August, as a milestone in the bilateral ties.

Currently, the EU is Vietnam’s fifth largest trade partner, third biggest importer, a major investor and leading non-refundable aid provider.

Along with economic and trade collaboration – the main pillar of the partnership – many other cooperative areas have also made progress over the past time, notably the signing of the EU-Vietnam Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation (FPA), and the Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VGA/FLEGT).

Vietnam and other ASEAN member countries wish that the EU will play a more active and constructive role in the region, for peace and prosperity, promoting multilateralism, free trade and the rule of law, he said.

As ASEAN Chair 2020, Vietnam has raised its voice and made marked contributions, according to the official.

The country has also successfully performed its role as a non-permanent member the United Nations Security Council for the 2020-2021 tenure, and the Chair of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA).

For its part, the EU has stepped up its close and comprehensive cooperation with ASEAN and its member countries, including Vietnam, and has clearly and strongly affirmed its stance on issues relating to navigation security, legal order, peace and stability in the East Sea, Dung said.

During the 30 years of cooperation and development, the relationship between Vietnam and the EU has made long-term strides on the basis of strategic, in-depth strategic visions, towards higher level, he stressed.

VNA

Other News

National Assembly Chairman urges renovation in leadership, working style

National Assembly Chairman urges renovation in leadership, working style

The NA's Committee for Cultural and Social Affairs has moved fast to reshuffle its organisation after the 14th National Party Congress and the election of deputies to the 16th NA, updating its work agenda to match new directives set out in the resolutions of the 14th National Party Congress and the first Congress of the NA Party Organisation for the 2025–2030 term.

Vietnam treasures ties with Croatia: PM

Vietnam treasures ties with Croatia: PM

Vietnam and Croatia should strive to double bilateral trade turnover from the current level of 161 million USD; study the establishment of a Joint Committee on Economic Cooperation to create a long-term, stable, and effective framework for collaboration, said Prime Minister Le Minh Hung.

President Ho Chi Minh's enduring legacy highlighted at Venezuela commemoration

President Ho Chi Minh's enduring legacy highlighted at Venezuela commemoration

Vice President of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) Jesús Faria expressed deep admiration for President Ho Chi Minh and Vietnam’s indomitable struggle for national independence. He described President Ho Chi Minh as an immortal symbol of 20th-century national liberation movements, whose legacy continues to inspire leftist parties, progressive movements, and peoples across Latin America, including Venezuela.

Vietnam proposes key cooperation orientations at BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting

Vietnam proposes key cooperation orientations at BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting

Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Hang shared Vietnam’s approach to building an independent and self-reliant economy linked to deep international integration, while proposing several key areas for enhanced cooperation between BRICS and partner countries at the Expanded BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting that opened on May 14 in India.

Vietnam asks parties to respect its sovereignty over Truong Sa

Vietnam asks parties to respect its sovereignty over Truong Sa

PSNews - The spokesperson stated that the dispatch of personnel by relevant parties to features belonging to Truong Sa without Vietnam’s permission constitutes a violation of Vietnam’s sovereignty under international law. She stressed that such actions run counter to the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) as well as ongoing efforts by countries to negotiate a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).

Hanoi to host ASEAN Future Forum 2026 in mid-June

Hanoi to host ASEAN Future Forum 2026 in mid-June

PSNews - Vietnam’s proposals placed the highest priority on ensuring a peaceful and stable environment conducive for continued sustainable development and improving the well-being and happiness of the ASEAN people. They were praised by member states and incorporated into the core contents of the ASEAN Leaders’ Statement on the response to the Middle East crisis.

Vietnam promotes cooperation with United Nations on crime prevention

Vietnam promotes cooperation with United Nations on crime prevention

Vietnam highly values the support of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in strengthening national capacity in crime prevention and criminal justice, drug control, and addressing emerging challenges, particularly cybercrime, said Ambassador Vu Le Thai Hoang.

Party, State leader calls for consolidation of central steering committees on legal, judicial reform

Party, State leader calls for consolidation of central steering committees on legal, judicial reform

Consolidating the central steering committees for institutional and legal reform and for judicial reform is necessary in order to streamline organisational structures without reducing responsibilities, while ensuring clear accountability, measurable outputs and concrete results. Following the restructuring, the body will be renamed the central steering committee for institutional improvement and law enforcement, with the Party General Secretary and State President serving as its head.

Vietnam strives for substantive outcome at NPT review conference

Vietnam strives for substantive outcome at NPT review conference

At the meeting this week, Ambassador Viet briefed the UNGA President on developments during the first two weeks of the conference. He stressed that the current international geopolitical landscape poses numerous complex challenges, while reaffirming Vietnam’s determination, together with other member states, to promote substantive and balanced outcomes at the conference.

Top leader of Vietnam receives Vientiane official in Hanoi

Top leader of Vietnam receives Vientiane official in Hanoi

The host leader stressed that cooperation between localities, particularly between the capitals of Hanoi and Vientiane, plays an especially important role as a pioneering force in effectively implementing the foreign polices of the two Parties and States, while also serving as a bridge between politics and development, as well as between strategy and concrete action.