 General Secretary To Lam receives EU Ambassador Julien Guerrier. (Photo: Van Hieu/VOV) |
At a meeting with EU Ambassador to Vietnam Julien Guerrier in Hanoi on Thursday, the Party leader said the EU remains a top partner in Vietnam’s foreign policy and noted with satisfaction the dynamic and comprehensive growth of the bilateral ties across all areas since the establishment of diplomatic relations 35 years ago (1990–2025). The two sides are currently implementing four cooperation agreements and eight dialogue mechanisms, covering a broad spectrum from political-diplomatic affairs and trade-investment to defense and security.
 At the reception (Photo" VOV) |
In the context of the current complex global geopolitical and trade situation, Lam called for enhanced cooperation, political trust, and robust strategic dialogue. He recommended both sides work toward a roadmap to elevate the bilateral relations to a new level in a substantive and high-quality manner, ensuring mutual benefit for both sides. He also stressed the need to promote delegation exchanges and high-level contacts, while continuing to effectively implement the EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) as a driver of trade and investment cooperation.
The Party chief welcomed the EU’s growing interest in cooperating with Vietnam in the fields of green transition, digital transformation, sustainable development, science and technology, innovation, renewable energy, sustainable transport infrastructure, defence industry, legal affairs, and human resources training.
Highlighting the importance of education and training cooperation, as well as people-to-people and youth exchanges, Lam proposed that both sides explore options to facilitate visa issuance for their citizens.
Guerrier said Vietnam is a trusted and prioritized partner of the European Union (EU) in the Asia-Pacific.
He said the EU wants to support Vietnam in achieving its ambition to become a developed country by 2045, and to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The diplomat said that both sides share a common interest in ensuring an uninterrupted international trade system and supply chain, maintaining sustained growth and prosperity of all nations involved.
Both sides agreed that Vietnam and the EU share a mutual interest in maintaining peace and stability in the region and the world for development. They stressed the importance of enhanced cooperation within the ASEAN–EU framework, while safeguarding peace and stability in the East Sea – a strategically vital region for global trade.