EU hopes to soon upgrade relations with Vietnam to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son had a phone call with Vice President of the European Commission (EC) and High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas. (Photo: Government Portal)

On the afternoon of April 15, at the Government Office, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son had a phone call with Vice President of the European Commission (EC), EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas to discuss Vietnam-EU relations and international and regional issues of mutual concern.

During the phone call, the two sides expressed satisfaction with the positive developments in Vietnam-EU cooperation after 35 years of establishing diplomatic relations, especially in the fields of politics-diplomacy, trade-investment, creating a solid foundation to bring bilateral relations to new heights; agreed to evaluate the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), which after nearly 5 years of implementation has created a new momentum for bilateral trade.

To further develop the relationship in the coming time, Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son suggested that the two sides should promote delegation exchanges and high-level contacts; continue to effectively implement the EVFTA and facilitate the strong promotion of trade and investment cooperation between Vietnam and the EU in the context of global trade facing many difficulties.

The Deputy Prime Minister also proposed that the EC soon remove the "yellow card" on Vietnam's seafood exports, taking into account Vietnam's efforts in preventing and combating illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, the difference in development levels between the two sides, the interests of EU consumers as well as the livelihoods of Vietnamese fishermen.

Affirming that the EU is an important partner of Vietnam, the Deputy Prime Minister suggested that, in the above context, the EU should promote the completion of the ratification of the Vietnam-EU Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) to create a new breakthrough in bilateral trade and investment; encourage European enterprises to invest in Vietnam's key projects on infrastructure, renewable energy, green transformation, digital transformation, etc.

Regarding the EU's anti-dumping investigation into hot-rolled steel imported from Vietnam, Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son suggested that the EU, in its final conclusion, should reflect objectively as in the recent preliminary conclusion.

Acknowledging and appreciating the opinions shared by Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son, EC Vice President Kaja Kallas affirmed that the EU approaches the issue cautiously, based on the law, especially the regulations of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

The EC Vice President agreed with Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son's proposals on promoting bilateral cooperation in the coming time; both sides need to make the most of the EVFTA.

Affirming that Vietnam is one of the EU's important partners in the Asia-Pacific region, the EC Vice President hopes that the two sides will increase exchanges and soon upgrade the relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Discussing regional and international issues, the Deputy Prime Minister affirmed that Vietnam is a responsible member of the international community, actively contributing to the maintenance of peace, stability, security, cooperation and development in the region and the world. The two sides agreed that conflicts and disputes should be resolved by peaceful means on the basis of the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter and international law.

On this occasion, Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son respectfully invited EC Vice President Kaja Kallas to soon pay an official visit to Vietnam.

Nhandan.vn

Source: https://nhandan.vn/eu-mong-muon-som-nang-cap-quan-he-voi-viet-nam-len-doi-tac-chien-luoc-toan-dien-post872721.html