Vietnam and EU move towards upgrading comprehensive strategic partnership

This morning, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with President of the European Council Antonio Costa. The Prime Minister affirmed that the EU is one of Vietnam's leading important partners.

Regarding the urgent priority issue that needs to be addressed, the Prime Minister emphasized Vietnam's political determination and resolute efforts in combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and requested the European Commission (EC) to send an IUU inspection team to Vietnam soon to assess the situation and promptly lift the IUU yellow card.

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 arrangements for the visit would be made soon. Photo: VGP

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

Regarding the direction of Vietnam-EU cooperation, the Prime Minister proposed that the two sides agree on a roadmap to upgrade bilateral relations, promote trade and investment cooperation, and make science, technology, and innovation the pillars of cooperation...

European Council President Antonio Costa agreed to coordinate efforts to promote the priorities outlined by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh; the EU highly appreciates Vietnam's role and position, especially its economic development achievements.

Mr. Costa also expressed his pleasure that the two sides are discussing upgrading their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The EU wishes to promote strong cooperation with Vietnam, especially in trade and investment, green transformation, digital transformation, and responding to global challenges.

The President of the European Council agreed that both sides should strengthen multilateral cooperation, with the EU currently prioritizing strengthening relations with ASEAN and countries in the region. He highly appreciated Vietnam's constructive approach to peace and security issues and its views on the fundamental principles of international law.

Three directions to promote the ASEAN-Korea Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

This morning, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, along with ASEAN leaders and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, attended the 26th ASEAN-Korea Summit.

Leaders assessed that ASEAN-Korea relations continue to develop dynamically after being upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2024. Korea is ASEAN's fifth-largest trading partner and seventh-largest FDI investor, with bilateral trade reaching US$208.2 billion in 2024 and FDI from Korea into ASEAN reaching US$7.6 billion.

Leaders assessed that collaborative initiatives such as the ASEAN-Korea Digital Academy and the ASEAN-Korea Digital Innovation have helped enhance digital capabilities and nurture digital talents in ASEAN. Photo: VGP

South Korea actively and comprehensively participates in ASEAN's specialized cooperation mechanisms, through its 2021-2025 action plan, with 95% of its action lines implemented.

In light of the rapid and complex changes in the global and regional situation, the leaders affirmed their commitment to strengthening relations, consolidating trust, and increasing cooperation for the development and benefit of the people in both regions.

ASEAN and South Korea will immediately begin implementing the 2026-2030 action plan, initiating discussions to upgrade the ASEAN-Korea Free Trade Agreement (AKFTA) in 2026, which will include high-quality cooperation such as green economy, digital economy, and supply chain integration.

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung. Photo: VGP

Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in strategic areas such as digital transformation, innovation, clean energy, strategic minerals, sustainable environment, maritime security, combating transnational crime, and cybersecurity.

President Lee Jae-myung affirmed that South Korea values ​​and supports ASEAN's central role, supports ASEAN's perspective on the Indo-Pacific, and aligns South Korea's future vision with ASEAN's Vision for a resilient, innovative, dynamic, and people-centered ASEAN Community.

The President proposed ASEAN-Korea cooperation based on three pillars: "Contributing to dreams and hopes; a springboard for growth and innovation; and partnership for peace and stability."

At the conference, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh shared his assessment that ASEAN-Korea relations have entered a new, more strategic and comprehensive phase. Both sides need to strengthen coordination, respond promptly and effectively to challenges, and create a favorable environment for sustainable and inclusive development that benefits both sides.

Vietnam supports the efforts of the South Korean government to resume inter-Korean dialogue and cooperation, and is ready to actively participate in this process to build a peaceful, stable, and prosperous environment on the Korean Peninsula. Photo: VGP

The Prime Minister outlined three major directions to promote the ASEAN-Korea Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Firstly, prioritize strengthening economic, trade, and investment linkages in a green, digital, circular, and sustainable direction; initiate negotiations to upgrade the AKFTA, and expand cooperation into new areas such as the green economy, digital economy, artificial intelligence, and supply chains.

The Prime Minister also requested that South Korea strengthen technology transfer, help train high-quality human resources, connect technology businesses, develop AI in renewable energy, smart infrastructure, and green agriculture; and support ASEAN businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, to participate in supply chains...

Secondly, we will deepen cooperation in culture, education, and people-to-people exchanges, develop tourism; promote the heritage economy, creative industries, cultural connectivity, and develop the cultural and entertainment industries (film, photography, music); expand talent training programs and vocational education; and create more favorable conditions for ASEAN citizens to study and work in South Korea.

Third, ASEAN and South Korea need to strengthen their contributions to peace, security, stability, and prosperity in the region; ASEAN and South Korea need to jointly uphold their interests and responsibilities in building the South China Sea into a sea of ​​peace, cooperation, and sustainable development.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/viet-nam-va-eu-huong-toi-nang-cap-quan-he-doi-tac-chien-luoc-toan-dien-2456710.html