Joint Statement on Strengthening Partnership between Vietnam and Ireland

We are pleased to introduce the full text of the Joint Statement on strengthening the partnership between Vietnam and Ireland.

General Secretary and President To Lam and Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris witnessed the signing ceremony of a strategic cooperation agreement on higher education between the Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training and the Irish Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. (Photo: Tri Dung/VNA)

1. Within the framework of the State visit to Ireland by General Secretary and President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam To Lam at the invitation of President of Ireland Michael Higgins, General Secretary and President To Lam and Prime Minister of Ireland Simon Harris had a cordial exchange, updated each other on the situation in each country, discussed measures to promote bilateral relations and exchanged views on international and regional issues of mutual concern.

2. Prime Minister Simon Harris, on behalf of the people of Ireland, sends condolences on the recent devastation and loss of life caused by the super typhoon. Typhoon Yagi caused, and expressed Ireland's willingness to support the emergency response at this difficult time.

3. The two leaders affirmed that this State visit is an important milestone after nearly 30 years of establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries. The two sides affirmed the importance of further strengthening the Vietnam-Ireland relationship; agreed to cooperate for the prosperity and comprehensive development of both countries, for peace, cooperation and development globally, in accordance with the fundamental principles of international law and the United Nations Charter.

On strengthening political, diplomatic and security cooperation

4. The two Leaders acknowledged the importance of high-level visits and regular exchanges; agreed to maintain cooperation between the two Foreign Ministries through the bilateral consultation mechanism signed by the Foreign Ministers of the two countries in February 2024.

5. Prime Minister Simon Harris warmly welcomed the announcement by General Secretary and President To Lam that the Socialist Republic of Vietnam plans to open an Embassy in Ireland. The two leaders agreed that the new Embassy will play an important role in further deepening the friendship and good cooperation between Vietnam and Ireland.

6. Both sides welcomed the establishment of the Ireland-Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Group, which will promote deeper understanding between the two parliaments. The two leaders highly appreciated the bridging role and positive contributions of the Vietnamese community in Ireland and the Irish community in Vietnam.

7. The two leaders reaffirmed the importance of cooperation in the face of security threats and agreed that the two countries will increase exchanges and promote cooperation in the fields of cyber security and the prevention of transnational organized crime.

8. The two sides acknowledged the importance of promoting human rights, carried out in accordance with each country's specific characteristics, laws and international commitments.

Sector Strategic Partnership on Higher Education Cooperation

9. Building on the excellent bilateral cooperation over the past 30 years, the two Leaders welcomed the establishment of the Strategic Partnership in the field of higher education cooperation and affirmed the importance of building a comprehensive partnership framework at an appropriate time. In this spirit, the two Leaders welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between Vietnam National University, Hanoi and the University of Dublin and University College Cork during the visit of General Secretary and President To Lam. Vietnam thanked Ireland for providing 325 postgraduate scholarships to Vietnamese students since 2007.

On trade, investment, development cooperation and other potential areas

10. The two Leaders welcomed the important and growing trade cooperation between Vietnam and Ireland. They reaffirmed the importance of the full implementation of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and discussed the value of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), believing that these two agreements will contribute to facilitating trade and investment between the two countries.

The two sides appreciated the significant investment of Irish businesses in Vietnam and noted a number of business agreements between businesses of the two countries signed during the visit of General Secretary and President To Lam. The two leaders welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on economic and trade cooperation between the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam and the Ministry of Enterprise, Trade and Employment of Ireland.

11. General Secretary and President To Lam thanked the Irish Government's Development Cooperation Programme for supporting Vietnam in achieving many development goals ahead of schedule. The Irish Prime Minister affirmed that Ireland will continue to support Vietnam in areas such as climate change adaptation, livelihoods, humanitarian assistance to overcome the consequences of bombs and mines, nutrition, higher education and governance.

12. Vietnam highly appreciated Ireland's support in research and technical assistance in the agricultural sector. The two leaders welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in sustainable food system transformation between the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and the Marine of Ireland during the State visit.

13. Regarding science and technology cooperation, the two sides welcomed the potential for cooperation in promoting innovation, digital transformation, responding to climate change, training high-quality human resources and other areas of mutual interest.

14. The two sides agreed on the value of cultural and artistic exchanges, tourism promotion and people-to-people exchanges, aiming to enhance mutual understanding and foster friendship between the people of the two countries.

On international and regional issues

15. The two sides pledged to enhance coordination and mutual support at international and regional forums, especially the United Nations and the ASEAN-EU framework. The two sides support a united, strong and prosperous ASEAN community that plays a central role in the regional architecture and strengthens the ASEAN-EU Strategic Partnership.

16. The two sides reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security, safety and freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea, and the importance of resolving disputes by peaceful means, in accordance with international law, in particular the 1982 UNCLOS. The two sides affirmed the need to establish a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and international law. The two sides emphasized the principles of respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all states. The two leaders discussed the situation in Gaza, calling for an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages, and stressed the need to increase humanitarian aid.

17. The two Leaders acknowledged the important contributions of Ireland and Viet Nam to United Nations peacekeeping operations and agreed to explore opportunities for future cooperation and experience sharing.

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