Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh received Mr. Julien Guerrier, Ambassador, Head of the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Vietnam - Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac
The Prime Minister congratulated the Ambassador, Head of the EU Delegation, on his new position in Vietnam, and expressed his belief that the Ambassador will have a successful term and make positive contributions to the comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and the EU; affirming that Vietnam will create the best possible conditions for the Delegation and the Ambassador to fulfill their tasks.
The Prime Minister and the Ambassador expressed their delight that the Vietnam-EU relationship has been in a very good phase recently, achieving positive results in all areas. In terms of politics and diplomacy, delegation exchanges and high-level contacts have been increased, and the two sides have closely coordinated at multilateral forums.
Economically, the EU is currently the 3rd largest export market, the 5th largest import market, the 6th largest investor of Vietnam and Vietnam is the EU's largest trading partner in ASEAN (two-way trade in 2022 reached 62.4 billion USD).
The effective implementation of the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) has helped two-way trade between Vietnam and the EU grow positively; the Vietnam-EU Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), once ratified, will create a new breakthrough in trade and investment cooperation between the two sides.
The Prime Minister also affirmed that Vietnam actively supports the EU's initiatives and solutions in green and sustainable development - Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac
Defense-security cooperation has been expanded with the implementation of the Framework Agreement on Vietnam's participation in the EU's crisis management activities (FPA). In particular, a highlight in the relationship between the two sides in recent times is cooperation in responding to climate change with the establishment of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) between Vietnam and the International Partnership Group, including the EU.
Informing the main features of Vietnam's socio-economic situation, national development guidelines, foreign and defense policies, stating that Vietnam is a model of restoring and healing the wounds of war, putting the past behind and looking towards the future, the Prime Minister affirmed that Vietnam attaches great importance to promoting relations with the EU, one of Vietnam's leading partners.
To develop the Vietnam-EU Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation in a practical and effective manner in the coming time, the Prime Minister suggested that the two sides study the possibility of upgrading the relationship; increase delegation exchanges at all levels; continue to effectively promote existing cooperation and dialogue mechanisms, propose new measures to promote cooperation, and at the same time remove obstacles and difficulties; effectively implement the EVFTA; the EU urges the remaining 10 member countries to ratify the EVIPA to create a new breakthrough in trade and investment cooperation.
The Prime Minister also affirmed that Vietnam actively supports the EU's initiatives and solutions in green and sustainable development, including the application of green standards to goods, in the spirit of 'what is said must be done, what is committed must be implemented'; proposed that the EU provide maximum support to Vietnam in terms of capital, technology, institutional improvement, and human resource training to join hands in solving global issues, especially environmental protection and climate change response, in which priority is given to effectively implementing the Political Declaration establishing the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), supporting Vietnam in implementing the program of 1 million hectares of high-quality, low-emission rice in the Mekong Delta, developing renewable energy, etc.
Along with that, the Prime Minister suggested that the EC actively consider the early removal of the IUU “Yellow Card” based on Vietnam’s efforts in combating IUU fishing, taking into account the difficulties and differences in development levels between Vietnam and the EU in terms of fisheries management capacity and fishermen’s livelihoods; promote cooperation in sustainable marine economic development including modern and sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, logistics development, offshore wind power, exploitation of marine resources, ensuring security, safety and freedom of navigation.
The Prime Minister affirmed that Vietnam welcomes the EU to play an increasingly active role in the region; always supports strengthening ASEAN-EU relations and the EU's participation in regional cooperation mechanisms with ASEAN playing a central role.
The Ambassador emphasized that Vietnam and the EU have many things in common and the potential for cooperation between the two sides is still very large, especially in the upcoming turning point development period of Vietnam - Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac
For his part, Ambassador Julien Guerrier affirmed that he is a long-time friend of Vietnam; highly appreciated Vietnam's development policies and guidelines shared by the Prime Minister, especially the viewpoint of not sacrificing progress and social justice to pursue purely economic growth; expressed his impression of the achievements, future development goals and Vietnam's commitment and efforts in responding to climate change. The Ambassador also highly appreciated Vietnam's active support and its ability to become one of the pioneering countries in implementing EU green standards.
The Ambassador emphasized that Vietnam and the EU have many things in common and the potential for cooperation between the two sides is still very large, especially in the upcoming turning point development period of Vietnam; affirmed that the EU will continue to accompany and support Vietnam in the process of implementing development goals such as becoming a developed, high-income country by 2045 and net zero emissions by 2050.
The Ambassador said that he will closely coordinate with the relevant agencies of both sides to implement cooperation activities in the areas mentioned by the Prime Minister, contributing to the interests, happiness and prosperity of the people of Vietnam and the EU; in which priority is given to areas such as trade and investment, especially promoting the ratification of EVIPA; cooperation in responding to climate change, first of all supporting Vietnam at the upcoming COP 28 Summit; cooperation in infrastructure construction, human resource training, etc.
Discussing international and regional issues of mutual concern, the EU Ambassador affirmed his support for ASEAN's stance on ensuring security, safety, freedom of aviation and navigation in the East Sea, and resolving disputes by peaceful means, on the basis of international law, especially the United Nations Charter and UNCLOS 1982. He also asked Vietnam to actively support the EU's initiatives and activities to contribute to solving common world issues.
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