(VOVWORLD) - The EU is a very important partner of Vietnam, said President To Lam at a reception in Hanoi on Tuesday for Josep Borrell Fontelles, Vice President of the European Commission and High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
 President To Lam receives Josep Borrell Fontelles, Vice President of the European Commission and High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Hanoi, July 30, 2024. |
President Lam proposed that both sides continue to enhance delegation exchanges and effectively implement the EU-Vietnam Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA), the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), as well as other agreements and cooperation mechanisms.
He asked the EU to urge the remaining member countries to soon ratify the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) and to lift the "yellow card" on Vietnam's seafood exports.
President Lam called on the EU to maintain official development assistance (ODA) for Vietnam and support the country in effectively implementing the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP). He emphasized the need to strengthen cooperation in cybersecurity, maritime security, disaster prevention and response, crisis management, and crime prevention.
The President noted that Vietnam is ready to act as a bridge between the EU and the region, including strengthening the ASEAN-EU Strategic Partnership.
Mr. Borrell said that the EU considers Vietnam a top partner in the region and is actively implementing several cooperation strategies and initiatives, including projects with ASEAN and in Vietnam under the EU's Global Gateway initiative. The EU wants to elevate relations with Vietnam to new heights and believes that the partnership will continue to grow vigorously for mutual benefit.
Both sides agreed that countries have a responsibility to contribute to regional and global security and development and that conflicts should be resolved by peaceful means based on international law and the United Nations Charter.
Mr. Borrell emphasized the importance of the East Sea in international trade. The two sides affirmed their continued support for ensuring security, safety, and freedom of navigation and overflight, and resolving disputes in the East Sea by peaceful means in accordance with international law.
The same day, the EU’s foreign policy chief met Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son and Head of the Party Central Committee’s External Relations Commission Le Hoai Trung.