On the evening of January 29, General Secretary To Lam, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man held meetings with President of the European Council Antonio Costa, affirming a historic step forward as Vietnam and the EU elevate their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Vietnamese leaders emphasized that this official upgrade reflects a new development phase in bilateral ties, anchored in mutual trust and shared priorities.

During his meeting with the EU Council President, General Secretary To Lam expressed his pleasure at the continued warm exchanges following their phone call on April 30, 2025.

He shared key outcomes of the 14th National Congress, including Vietnam’s vision for long-term national development and achieving its dual centennial goals.

Highlighting Vietnam’s respect for the EU’s global role, the General Secretary noted with pride that Vietnam is the first ASEAN country to establish a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the EU -the highest level of bilateral cooperation.

“This is a historic moment in our relationship,” he stated. “It reflects deep political trust and a shared commitment to advancing our partnership.”

In this new era marked by both opportunities and challenges, he emphasized the importance of enhanced dialogue and cooperation to realize the full potential of the upgraded partnership.

He proposed bolstering ties in diplomacy, economics, security and defense, marine affairs, science and technology, and innovation.

He also called on the EU to support Vietnam’s efforts toward sustainable fisheries and the eventual removal of the IUU “yellow card.”

President Antonio Costa affirmed that Vietnam’s progress has not only elevated its global standing but also positively influenced the wider region.

He stressed that the EU is committed to working with Vietnam on expanding free trade, diversifying supply chains, promoting the green transition, enhancing maritime and infrastructure cooperation, and ensuring peace and security.

The EU, he added, will collaborate closely with Vietnam to effectively implement the newly established partnership, including through high-level exchanges and multilateral cooperation.

EU pledges continued support for Vietnam

In his meeting with President Antonio Costa, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh spoke of Vietnam’s economic rise -with a GDP of approximately USD 510 billion, ranking 32nd globally, and nearly USD 500 billion in exports across 17 free trade agreements.

In 2025, Vietnam achieved a GDP growth rate of over 8.02%, among the highest regionally and globally. Macroeconomic stability was maintained, inflation kept under control, and key economic indicators remained balanced. Average income per capita reached USD 5,026, placing Vietnam among upper-middle-income countries.

The Prime Minister proposed that both sides deepen the substance of their comprehensive partnership, capitalizing on mutual strengths.

He reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to improving the investment climate and creating favorable conditions for international businesses, including EU firms.

Thanking the EU for its support in sustainable fisheries, he urged the bloc to send an inspection delegation to assess Vietnam’s efforts, with the goal of lifting the IUU yellow card.

He also called for continued EU assistance in modernizing and transitioning Vietnam’s fisheries sector to a more sustainable model.

President Costa reiterated that Vietnam is a vital partner for the EU in the Indo-Pacific and within ASEAN.

The EU, he emphasized, remains a reliable partner, eager to deepen collaboration across all fields. The newly elevated partnership offers a valuable framework for advancing trade, diversifying markets and supply chains, developing the blue economy, and investing in essential infrastructure -building a shared future grounded in cooperation.

Within the ASEAN–EU cooperation framework, both sides committed to advancing discussions on an ASEAN–EU Free Trade Agreement, adopting a balanced and inclusive approach that aligns with regional cooperation priorities.

Vietnam’s National Assembly plays key role in deepening ties

During his meeting with President Costa, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man praised the timing of the visit -at the dawn of 2026 -as a promising start for Vietnam–EU relations.

He shared that since early 2025, Vietnam has taken bold steps to reform both its legal system and institutions, laying a foundation for future growth through strategic, revolutionary policy decisions.

Vietnam’s National Assembly, with 80 years of development and 15 legislative terms, has consistently reaffirmed its central role in political life, especially in lawmaking and oversight.

Chairman Tran Thanh Man expressed appreciation for EU support in green development, digital transformation, climate change adaptation, and key infrastructure projects.

He underscored the legislature’s commitment to improving the legal framework and overseeing the implementation of international agreements, including the EVFTA and other EU-related pacts.

He also expressed hope for expanded inter-parliamentary cooperation between Vietnam’s National Assembly and the European Parliament, as well as with national legislatures of EU member states.

Both sides agreed to increase legislative exchanges and mutual support in parliamentary forums, while deepening cooperation in areas such as maritime economy, clean energy, digital transformation, and infrastructure.