Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh affirmed Vietnam's political determination and efforts to combat IUU fishing.

According to a special correspondent of the Vietnam News Agency, continuing activities within the framework of his working trip to attend the 47th ASEAN Summit and related summits in Malaysia, on the morning of October 27, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with President of the European Council Antonio Costa to discuss bilateral cooperation and issues of mutual concern.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh meets with President of the European Council Antonio Costa. Photo: Duong Giang/VNA.

Expressing pleasure at meeting European Council President Antonio Costa again after their meeting at the United Nations Ocean Conference last June, the Prime Minister affirmed that the EU is one of Vietnam's most important partners.

Emphasizing the urgent priority issues that need to be addressed in the relationship, the Prime Minister affirmed Vietnam's political determination and resolute efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and requested the European Commission (EC) to soon send an IUU inspection team to Vietnam to assess the situation and promptly lift the IUU yellow card.

The Prime Minister shared that he chairs weekly meetings with ministries, agencies, and localities nationwide on this issue, and also stated that Vietnam is promoting cooperation with countries, including Southeast Asian countries, to develop sustainable fisheries, strengthen the capacity of fishermen and businesses to adapt to regulations on transitioning to responsible fishing models, and transition fishermen from traditional fishing to sustainable aquaculture.

Regarding the future direction of Vietnam-EU cooperation, the Prime Minister proposed that both sides promote high-level delegation exchanges, agree on a roadmap for upgrading bilateral relations, promote cooperation in trade and investment, and make science, technology, and innovation a pillar of bilateral cooperation.

The Prime Minister emphasized the need to fully utilize the opportunities offered by the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), closely coordinate to resolve obstacles for businesses on both sides, and requested the EU to pay attention to promoting the ratification of the Vietnam-EU Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) by the remaining EU countries and encouraging European businesses to invest in key Vietnamese projects in infrastructure, renewable energy, and green transformation.

Appreciating the important role of the EU on the international stage, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh affirmed Vietnam's support for the EU's Global Gateway Initiative; emphasizing Vietnam's active support for ASEAN-EU relations and that Vietnam will continue to be a gateway to connect and strengthen relations between the EU and Southeast Asia.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh meets with President of the European Council Antonio Costa. Photo: Duong Giang/VNA.

For his part, President of the European Council Antonio Costa agreed to coordinate efforts to promote the priorities outlined by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh; affirming that the EU highly appreciates Vietnam's role and position, especially its economic development achievements. Mr. Costa also expressed pleasure that the two sides are discussing upgrading the relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, affirming that the EU wishes to promote strong cooperation with Vietnam, particularly in the areas of trade and investment, green transformation, digital transformation, responding to global challenges, and strengthening the international rules-based order.

Discussing international and regional situations, the President of the European Council agreed that both sides should strengthen coordination to promote multilateral cooperation, affirming that the EU currently prioritizes strengthening relations with ASEAN and countries in the region. In the context of many uncertainties in the world and the region, the President of the European Council highly appreciated Vietnam's constructive approach to peace and security issues, and its views on the fundamental principles of international law.

On this occasion, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh invited the President of the European Council and other EU leaders to visit Vietnam at a suitable time. The President of the European Council affirmed that he would arrange the visit soon.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/thoi-su/thu-tuong-pham-minh-chinh-khang-dinh-quyet-tam-chinh-tri-va-no-luc-cua-viet-nam-ve-chong-khai-thac-iuu-20251027114751407.htm