Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha works with Vice President of the European Commission and EU officials

During his meeting with EC Vice President Josep Borrell, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha highly appreciated the initiative and congratulated the EU on successfully organizing the Global Gateway Forum; stating that this is a framework for developed and developing countries to cooperate and complement each other towards sustainable development.

The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized Vietnam's commitment to strengthening and deepening the comprehensive partnership and cooperation framework between Vietnam and the EU. He proposed that both sides fully and effectively implement existing cooperation mechanisms, deepen the investment and trade pillar through the implementation of the EVFTA Agreement, and that member states promptly ratify the EVIPA Agreement and the EC lift the IUU yellow card. He also called for expanded cooperation in potential areas such as climate change response and energy transition, especially through the Joint Fair Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) framework. Vietnam is ready to act as a bridge to help the EU connect with the region and wishes to closely coordinate the implementation of the ASEAN-EU strategic partnership as well as in addressing regional and global issues.

EC Vice President Josep Borrell congratulated Vietnam on its success in "renovation" and all-round development; affirmed that Vietnam is an important partner in the region; and assessed that Vietnam-EU relations have developed comprehensively, especially in the economic and trade sectors, with the effective implementation of the EVFTA agreement helping trade turnover increase by 20% in 2022.

The EC Vice President stated that there is still much room for cooperation, including in the energy sector; agreed to strengthen comprehensive cooperation between the two sides, especially the full and effective implementation of the EVFTA Agreement and other cooperation frameworks; the EC considered lifting the yellow card on Vietnamese seafood exports soon; and agreed to closely coordinate in addressing regional and global issues for peace , stability, cooperation, and development in the region and the world; committed to supporting Vietnam within the JETP framework towards a just energy transition and sustainable development. Regarding IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing, the EC Vice President acknowledged Vietnam's positive efforts in recent times and requested Vietnam to cooperate closely and fully implement the EC's recommendations so that the yellow card can be lifted soon.

Both sides share views on international and regional issues, agreeing to maintain peace, stability, freedom, and safety of air and maritime navigation, and to resolve disputes peacefully on the basis of international law and UNCLOS 1982.

During the meeting with EU Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha highly appreciated the role and contributions of the EU in promoting global efforts to address climate change, especially in providing financial support to developing countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and respond to climate change; affirmed Vietnam's determination and proactive implementation of commitments at COP26; and requested the EU to continue to cooperate closely to finalize the plan for mobilizing resources to implement the Joint Partnership for a Just Energy Transition (JETP).

The EU Climate Commissioner requested Vietnam's support for EU initiatives at COP28, including the Global Commitment on Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency; affirming that the EU will always stand alongside Vietnam in its green transition.

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