In an open and trusting atmosphere, the two leaders spoke positively about the progress of the Vietnam-Germany Strategic Partnership and discussed major directions for strengthening political trust and sustaining the positive momentum in bilateral relations.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung praised Germany’s socio-economic and foreign policy achievements, as well as its active role in the European Union (EU), affirming that Vietnam attaches importance to its Strategic Partnership with Germany.

He proposed that the two countries continue expanding comprehensive cooperation and translate their determination into concrete action by increasing exchanges of delegations and making effective use of existing cooperation mechanisms, thereby creating a favorable foundation for broader collaboration in areas of mutual interest.

On economic, trade and investment cooperation, the Prime Minister highlighted Germany’s role as one of Vietnam’s leading trading partners and an important investor within the EU. He called for new breakthroughs commensurate with the potential and stature of the relationship, with the aim of bringing bilateral trade to $20 billion in the near future.

The Vietnamese government always seeks to create favorable conditions for foreign investors, including German businesses, and encourages German companies to expand investment in areas where they have strengths, such as mechanical engineering, the automotive industry, healthcare and energy transition.

The Prime Minister also proposed stronger links between the two countries’ financial and securities markets and encouraged financial institutions and international investors to participate in Vietnam’s International Financial Center. He welcomed Germany’s completion of the ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), describing it as an important step toward facilitating two-way investment.

On defense and security, labor cooperation and human resource development, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung proposed expanding cooperation in United Nations peacekeeping operations and promoting Germany-standard dual vocational training programs in Vietnam. He also expressed hope that the German government would expand scholarship programs, providing more opportunities for Vietnamese students and officials to study and conduct research in Germany.

For his part, Chancellor Friedrich Merz affirmed that Vietnam-Germany relations are developing very well and have both the foundation and potential to be elevated to a new level.

Emphasizing the highly complementary nature of the two economies, the German Chancellor expressed his desire to strengthen the presence of German businesses in Vietnam through effective, large-scale cooperation projects; vigorously promote trade and investment; expand energy cooperation; and participate in Vietnam’s strategic transport infrastructure projects.

Chancellor Merz agreed that cooperation should be strengthened in transport, logistics, aviation connectivity, green transition and climate change response, while the Vietnam-Germany Energy Partnership framework should be implemented effectively. He also called for science, technology and innovation to become one of the key pillars of bilateral relations. The two countries should advance joint research projects and expand cooperation in training experts and engineers in strategic technology fields.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung asked Germany to continue simplifying visa procedures for Vietnamese citizens and to create favorable conditions for the Vietnamese community in Germany to integrate more deeply into the country.

The two leaders agreed to meet in person soon through bilateral and multilateral frameworks. Chancellor Merz invited Prime Minister Le Minh Hung to visit Germany. The Vietnamese Prime Minister accepted the invitation and, in turn, invited Chancellor Friedrich Merz to visit Vietnam at an early date.

Tran Thuong