On July 30, President To Lam met Josep Borrell Fontelles, Vice President of the European Commission (EC) and High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, during his official visit to Vietnam from July 29–31.
President To Lam expressed gratitude for Borrell's attendance at the state funeral of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, reflecting the EU's respect for his significant contributions to Vietnam-EU relations.
Highlighting the EU as a vital partner, the President noted that the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), in effect for four years, has significantly boosted trade and investment, making Vietnam the EU’s largest trading partner in ASEAN. He urged enhanced delegation exchanges, effective implementation of bilateral agreements, and swift ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) by remaining member states.
He also requested the EU lift the "yellow card" warning on Vietnam's seafood exports, maintain official development assistance (ODA), and support Vietnam's energy transition under the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).
President To Lam reiterated Vietnam’s willingness to act as a bridge between the EU and the region, enhancing ASEAN-EU strategic partnership cooperation.
EU’s commitment to strengthening relations
Josep Borrell Fontelles praised Vietnam’s balanced foreign policy and its ambitious goals of achieving high-income status by 2045 and carbon neutrality by 2050.
He expressed the EU’s desire to elevate its relationship with Vietnam, particularly through initiatives like the Global Gateway framework and enhanced collaboration with ASEAN.
The President emphasized Vietnam’s human-centered development approach, stating that the government serves the people and is committed to sustainable socio-economic development. He highlighted Vietnam’s guarantees of religious freedom and broad access to the internet and social media for its citizens.
Both sides agreed on the importance of contributing to regional and global security and resolving conflicts peacefully under international law and the UN Charter.
On the East Sea, Borrell emphasized its strategic importance to international trade, with both parties committing to uphold security, safety, and freedom of navigation and aviation in line with international law, particularly UNCLOS 1982.
In a separate meeting, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son and Borrell discussed ongoing EU support for Vietnam, focusing on governance, green and digital economies, and sustainable fisheries.
Borrell assured Vietnam of the EU’s commitment to approving the EVIPA swiftly to enhance investment collaboration. He also affirmed the EU's intent to deepen cooperation through existing dialogue mechanisms in trade, security, climate change, and energy.
Vietnam remains a bridge for the EU in advancing its ASEAN partnership and implementing the ASEAN-EU Action Plan for 2023–2027, underscoring its role as a pivotal regional ally.
Tran Thuong
Vietnamnet.vn
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