EU eyes comprehensive strategic partnership with Vietnam

Kallas, who also serves as the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, conveyed this message during a phone call with Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son on Tuesday, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the conversation, which focused on Vietnam-EU relations and shared regional and international issues, both sides expressed satisfaction with the positive progress in bilateral cooperation over the past 35 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations.

They agreed that the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), after nearly five years of implementation, has provided fresh momentum for two-way trade.

Deputy PM Son reaffirmed that the EU remains an important partner for Vietnam, and urged the bloc to accelerate the ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), which he said would create a new breakthrough in bilateral trade and investment.

He also called on the EU to encourage European enterprises to invest in Vietnam’s key sectors such as infrastructure, renewable energy, green transition, and digital transformation.

Welcoming Son’s proposals, Kallas agreed on the need to deepen bilateral cooperation, particularly by maximizing the benefits of the EVFTA in the years ahead.

Reiterating the EU’s high regard for its partnership with Vietnam, she said the bloc hopes to enhance collaboration and soon upgrade ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Deputy PM Son also proposed stepping up delegation exchanges, maintaining the effective implementation of the EVFTA, and promoting stronger trade and investment ties in the context of mounting global trade challenges.

For the fisheries sector , Son urged the EC to soon lift the ‘yellow card’ warning imposed on Vietnam’s seafood exports over illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

He highlighted Vietnam’s relentless efforts to combat IUU practices, stressing the importance of the issue to EU consumers and the livelihoods of Vietnamese fishermen.

Regarding the EU’s ongoing anti-dumping investigation into Vietnamese hot-rolled steel, Son called for an objective final conclusion aligned with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules.

In response, Kallas acknowledged Son’s concerns and assured that the EU is handling the matter cautiously, in accordance with its legal framework and WTO regulations.

On regional and global issues, Deputy PM Son reaffirmed that Vietnam is a responsible member of the international community, actively contributing to the maintenance of peace, stability, security, cooperation, and development both regionally and globally.

Both sides agreed that conflicts and disputes should be resolved peacefully, in accordance with the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter and international law.

On this occasion, Deputy PM Son extended an invitation for Kaja Kallas to visit Vietnam, which the EC Vice-President accepted with pleasure.

Last year, two-way trade reached over US$68 billion, marking a 16-percent year-on-year increase and positioning the EU as Vietnam's fourth-largest trading partner, according to the Voice of Vietnam.