Based on recent contacts between leaders of the two sides and towards the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2025, Vietnam and the EU agreed to coordinate to upgrade bilateral relations in the coming time.
Vietnam and the European Union (EU) held the 5th Joint Committee Meeting on October 22 in Hanoi to review bilateral relations and cooperation within the framework of the Vietnam-EU Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation Framework Agreement (PCA).
Both sides welcomed the growing multifaceted relationship, evidenced by a vibrant agenda of meetings and visits, including at the highest levels.
Based on recent contacts between the two leaders and towards the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2025, Vietnam and the EU have agreed to work together to upgrade bilateral relations in the coming time.
In that context, Vietnam and the EU agreed to discuss, develop and deepen cooperation in new areas such as a just energy transition and connectivity, including transport, digital transformation, critical materials, semiconductors, research and innovation and education.
This cooperation can open up new potential and momentum in Vietnam-EU relations, bringing benefits to both sides.
The EU announced new policies under the EU Green Deal such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and the EU Deforestation Prevention Regulation (EUDR), including a proposal to extend the transition period for the latter by 12 months.
The EU welcomes Vietnam's positive approach to the EUDR and Vietnam expresses its gratitude for the support measures to help Vietnamese suppliers comply with these new regulations.
The Joint Committee meeting also facilitated discussions on ASEAN-EU relations, as well as on a range of political and security issues in the Indo-Pacific region and other issues.
Vietnam and the EU discussed the tense situation in the Middle East, the East Sea and Myanmar, agreeing on the need to seek peaceful solutions based on international law and the United Nations Charter.
Regarding the East Sea issue, the two sides expressed deep concern over recent developments and reaffirmed the importance of ensuring peace, stability, security and freedom of navigation and aviation, emphasizing the need for parties to exercise restraint and resolve disputes by peaceful means, in accordance with international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
On Ukraine, Vietnam and the EU reiterated their respective positions, stressing the importance of achieving comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine in accordance with the United Nations Charter and international law.
The two sides also pledged to strengthen security and defense cooperation through the Vietnam-EU Defense and Security Dialogue.
Vietnam and the EU also discussed trade and investment, including tax cooperation, and reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the implementation of the Free Trade Agreement to benefit both sides.
The two sides reviewed progress made in the fisheries sector, including ongoing activities related to combating illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
The two sides look forward to strengthening cooperation on connectivity and sustainable development, particularly within the framework of the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy, with a special focus on the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), with a commitment to go further to accelerate the green energy transition in Vietnam in line with Vietnam’s net zero emissions targets.
The two sides shared their positions and goals for upcoming international negotiations related to climate, environment and biodiversity to build initiatives for global sustainable development.
The Vietnamese side was led by Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang.
The EU delegation was led by Mr. Niclas Kvarnström, Director General for Asia-Pacific of the European External Action Service (EEAS). Also attending were representatives of Vietnamese ministries and sectors, representatives from the European Commission and EU member states./.
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