This morning, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with European Council President Antonio Costa, reaffirming that the European Union remains one of Vietnam’s most important global partners.
Regarding urgent priorities, Prime Minister Chinh emphasized Vietnam’s strong political will and determination to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
He called on the European Commission to soon dispatch an inspection team to Vietnam to assess its progress and help lift the EU’s IUU "yellow card."
He shared that he personally chairs weekly meetings with relevant ministries and provincial authorities on this issue.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh invites the European Council President and EU leaders to visit Vietnam. Costa affirms he will arrange the visit soon. Photo: VGP
Vietnam is also actively promoting cooperation with other countries, including ASEAN members, to develop sustainable fisheries, build capacity for fishermen and businesses, and shift from capture to aquaculture-based livelihoods.
On Vietnam-EU relations, the Prime Minister proposed that both sides agree on a roadmap to elevate the partnership and enhance cooperation in trade, investment, science and technology, and innovation - key pillars for sustainable development.
European Council President Antonio Costa agreed to jointly promote the priorities outlined by Prime Minister Chinh.
He affirmed the EU’s appreciation for Vietnam’s strategic role and praised the country’s impressive economic development.
Costa also expressed his delight that both sides are working toward upgrading their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
The EU hopes to strengthen cooperation with Vietnam, particularly in trade, green transition, digital transformation, and joint responses to global challenges.
He emphasized the importance of deepening multilateral cooperation, especially as the EU is prioritizing its ties with ASEAN and countries in the region.
Costa commended Vietnam’s constructive approach to peace and security, and its respect for core principles of international law.
Three strategic directions to strengthen the ASEAN-South Korea comprehensive partnership
ASEAN and South Korean leaders at the 26th ASEAN-Korea Summit. Photo: VGP
Earlier today, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh joined other ASEAN leaders and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung at the 26th ASEAN-South Korea Summit.
The leaders agreed that ASEAN-South Korea ties have grown dynamically since the relationship was upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2024.
South Korea is currently ASEAN’s fifth-largest trading partner and seventh-largest foreign direct investor.
In 2024, bilateral trade reached USD 208.2 billion, while South Korean FDI into ASEAN totaled USD 7.6 billion.
Initiatives such as the ASEAN-Korea Digital Academy and ASEAN-Korea Digital Innovation programs have enhanced regional digital capabilities and nurtured digital talent.
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung. Photo: VGP
South Korea plays a proactive role in ASEAN’s sectoral cooperation mechanisms and has completed 95% of its action items under the 2021-2025 Action Plan.
Faced with fast-changing regional and global dynamics, the leaders emphasized the need to build trust, strengthen ties, and create shared development benefits for both regions.
ASEAN and South Korea will soon begin implementing the 2026-2030 Action Plan and launch negotiations to upgrade the ASEAN-Korea Free Trade Agreement (AKFTA) in 2026.
This upgrade will incorporate high-quality cooperation in areas such as the green and digital economies, and supply chain connectivity.
South Korea and ASEAN also committed to deepening collaboration in key strategic areas including digital transformation, innovation, clean energy, critical minerals, sustainable environment, maritime security, transnational crime prevention, and cybersecurity.
President Lee Jae-myung reaffirmed South Korea’s support for ASEAN centrality and the bloc’s Indo-Pacific Outlook.
Vietnam supports efforts to resume inter-Korean dialogue and is willing to actively contribute to peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula. Photo: VGP
He said South Korea shares ASEAN’s vision for a resilient, innovative, dynamic, and people-centered community.
He proposed ASEAN-South Korea cooperation be built on three pillars: “Fulfilling dreams and hope; platform for growth and innovation; partnership for peace and stability.”
At the summit, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh remarked that ASEAN-South Korea ties have entered a more strategic and comprehensive phase.
He called for enhanced coordination to effectively address common challenges, fostering an enabling environment for sustainable and inclusive growth.
Vietnam expressed support for South Korea’s efforts to resume inter-Korean dialogue and cooperation, pledging active participation in building peace, stability, and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula.
Prime Minister Chinh proposed three key directions to elevate the ASEAN-South Korea comprehensive strategic partnership:
First, prioritize green, digital, circular, and sustainable economic integration, including negotiations to upgrade the AKFTA.
He also suggested expanding cooperation into emerging fields like AI, renewable energy, smart infrastructure, green agriculture, and support for ASEAN’s small and medium-sized enterprises to enter global supply chains.
Second, deepen cooperation in culture, education, and people-to-people exchange, develop tourism, boost the heritage economy and creative industries, and promote talent development and vocational education.
He also recommended creating more favorable conditions for ASEAN citizens to study and work in South Korea.
Third, ASEAN and South Korea should jointly contribute to peace, security, and prosperity in the region.
Both sides should promote common interests and shared responsibilities in making the East Sea (South China Sea) a sea of peace, cooperation, and sustainable development.
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