European Union wants to start process of upgrading relations with Vietnam

TPO – Vice President of the European Commission (EC) and High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell Fontelles expressed his hope that his visit to Vietnam this time will initiate the process of upgrading relations between the EU and Vietnam to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in the coming time.

The European Union wants to start the process of upgrading relations with Vietnam photo 1

Mr. Josep Borrel Fontelles paid an official visit to Vietnam from July 29 to 31, at the invitation of Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son.

At a joint press conference on the afternoon of July 30, Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son said that during the talks, he thanked the High Representative on behalf of the EU for attending the State funeral of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and making an official visit to Vietnam, demonstrating the EU's respect for General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong as well as Vietnam.

Minister Bui Thanh Son said that he and the EU High Representative were pleased with the very positive developments between Vietnam and the EU in all fields. Exchanges of delegations and contacts at all levels, especially at high levels, help strengthen political trust and at the same time expand cooperation in all fields.

Minister Bui Thanh Son said that during the talks, he highly appreciated the EU's support for Vietnam's socio-economic development, contributing to promoting Vietnam's deep international integration process.

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Talks between Vietnamese and EU officials on July 30. Photo: Nhu Y

The Minister proposed that the EU continue to maintain ODA cooperation for Vietnam through bilateral and multilateral channels, and the EU's cooperation programs with the region, focusing on areas of importance to Vietnam's development process, such as strengthening public governance capacity, green economy, digital economy and circular economy, sustainable fisheries development, and continuing to closely coordinate in effectively implementing the Free Trade Agreement between the two sides.

Minister Bui Thanh Son proposed that the EU soon remove the IUU yellow card on Vietnam's seafood exports, based on recognition of Vietnam's results and efforts in preventing IUU.

The Minister also asked the EU High Representative to urge the remaining member countries to soon ratify the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), to develop bilateral economic cooperation commensurate with the potential of both sides.

The Minister proposed that the EU provide maximum financial and technological support and human resource training to help Vietnam effectively implement the agreement within the framework of the Partnership for a Just Energy Transition, including supporting Vietnam in establishing a carbon certificate market connected to the international market and implementing green hydrogen projects...

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Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son at the meeting. Photo: Nhu Y

Situation in the East Sea

Vietnam welcomes the EU to play an active role in the Indo-Pacific region through implementing a number of strategic and other initiatives, and is ready to act as a bridge to promote cooperation between the EU and the region, Minister Bui Thanh Son affirmed.

The Minister said that in recent times, Vietnam has actively participated in cooperation frameworks such as the EU's Global Gateway Initiative, contributing to promoting infrastructure connectivity, trade, investment, and energy transition. In the coming time, Vietnam will continue to consider participating in programs and projects within the framework of this initiative, in accordance with priorities, capacity, and practices in Vietnam.

Minister Bui Thanh Son affirmed that Vietnam supports strengthening the strategic cooperation relationship between the EU and ASEAN.

Minister Bui Thanh Son said that at the talks, the two sides also discussed a number of regional and international issues of mutual concern, including the situation in the East Sea.

The Minister expressed concern over the complicated developments in the East Sea recently, posing potential risks to peace and stability in the region and affecting the interests of the international community.

We welcome and appreciate the EU's active contribution to maintaining peace, stability, cooperation, ensuring freedom of navigation, aviation and maritime order, based on international law in the East Sea region, including the 1982 UNCLOS."
Minister Bui Thanh Son

“I have asked the EU to continue to express its stance in support of countries’ legitimate maritime rights and interests in accordance with international law, as well as the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) of which the countries bordering the East Sea are members,” said Minister Bui Thanh Son.

Important partner in regional strategy

At the press conference, Mr. Borrel affirmed that Vietnam is an important partner of the EU, and is the Southeast Asian country with the most agreements with the EU.

Mr. Borrel said that he discussed with Minister Bui Thanh Son the issue of fully implementing the EVFTA, fulfilling Vietnam's commitment to become a net zero emission country by 2050.

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EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell at talks with Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son on July 30. (Photo: Nhu Y)

The two sides discussed supporting Vietnam to realize its commitments and implement the contents of this cooperation mechanism. The important thing now is to accelerate the process of identifying priority projects and legal reform issues, Mr. Borrell said.

The EU high representative said that the two sides discussed the international situation, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and the implementation of international law everywhere in the world, including the Middle East, the Gaza Strip, and the East Sea.

“On the issue of the South China Sea, we discussed the current increased tensions in this region. Geographically, (the South China Sea) may be far from Europe but the impacts are still clearly felt.”
EU High Representative Josep Borrell Fontelles

The EU High Representative said that the EU has commercial interests in this sea area, as 38% of EU imports and 22% of EU exports pass through the area.

“Any incident or tension that occurs in this region can directly affect our economic and trade interests here,” he said.

He appreciated Vietnam's dialogue with relevant countries such as Indonesia and the Philippines on regional issues. "The EU can become a smart supporter for peace and security in this region," he affirmed.

He assessed Vietnam as an important partner of the EU in implementing the Indo-Pacific strategy, and expressed his wish to further strengthen cooperation between the two sides.

“I hope this visit will initiate the process of upgrading relations between the two sides, followed by a decision to deploy efforts, cooperation, and exchanges to promote upgrading relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership in the coming time,” said Mr. Borrel.

Tienphong.vn

Source: https://tienphong.vn/lien-minh-chau-au-muon-khoi-dong-qua-trinh-nang-cap-quan-he-voi-viet-nam-post1659278.tpo?utm_source=tienphong&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=recommendation