General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam held talks with European Council President António Costa during an official visit to the European Union.
Costa warmly welcomed To Lam and the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation. He recalled his impressions of Vietnam and its people and the warm reception during his visit early this January. He said the reunion reflected deepening political trust between Vietnam and the EU.
Costa called Vietnam an important EU partner in the Indo-Pacific region and said both sides should build on political trust to deepen their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
To Lam praised the European Council and Costa for shaping EU priorities, strengthening unity among member states and contributing to peace, stability, cooperation and development.
Vietnam regards the EU as a top-priority partner and wants to turn commitments into practical projects. The leaders welcomed progress after more than 36 years of diplomatic ties, especially the elevation of relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in January 2026.
They agreed to strengthen dialogue and exchanges and expand cooperation in the green transition, innovation, strategic infrastructure, the circular economy, the blue economy, ocean protection and maritime security.
To Lam called for deeper economic, trade and investment ties and continued use of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement. He thanked the EU for removing Vietnam from Annex I of the list of non-cooperative tax jurisdictions and called for action on the seafood yellow card over illegal fishing and ratification of the investment protection agreement.
Costa said the EU would use initiatives including Global Gateway to deepen cooperation, investment, connectivity and the energy transition. The EU would also cooperate on maritime security, cybersecurity, crisis management, climate change and emerging technology, including artificial intelligence.
The leaders agreed to strengthen multilateral coordination, uphold the UN Charter and international law, and promote ASEAN-EU relations. Costa reaffirmed support for ASEAN centrality and peaceful dispute settlement under international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. ASEAN and the EU are working towards a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2027, the 50th anniversary of their relations.
Sources: VietnamPlus / Vietnam News Agency
