Speaking at a joint press briefing after the talks, President Luong Cuong said the upgrade marks a new milestone in Vietnam–EU relations and reflects the two sides’ long-term vision, strong political trust and shared commitment to deeper cooperation in a new development phase.

He noted that after 35 years of diplomatic relations, Vietnam and the EU have built extensive and substantive cooperation across many fields, particularly in politics and diplomacy, trade and investment, defence and security, science and technology, climate change response, agriculture and sustainable development, while still holding significant untapped potential.

The two leaders agreed to step up political trust through regular high-level exchanges, effectively implement existing cooperation mechanisms, explore new frameworks and deepen sectoral cooperation to ensure the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership develops in a practical, effective and sustainable manner.

Economic cooperation remains a key pillar of bilateral ties. Both sides committed to maintaining and strengthening free trade, facilitating market access and expansion, fully implementing the EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and promoting the early ratification of the EU–Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).

Vietnam called on the EU to enhance cooperation in the marine economy, support sustainable fisheries development and consider lifting the “yellow card” warning on Vietnamese seafood. It also welcomed greater EU investment in priority areas such as green and digital transitions, energy transition, circular economy, innovation and the effective implementation of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).

President Luong Cuong proposed that science, technology and innovation become a core pillar of bilateral cooperation, with a shift from project-based collaboration to ecosystem-based cooperation, towards co-development of technologies and sustainable growth.

On regional and global issues, the two sides agreed to strengthen coordination at multilateral forums, promote multilateralism, respect international law and the United Nations Charter, support ASEAN’s central role in the regional architecture, and uphold peace, stability, freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea in accordance with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

For his part, European Council President Antonio Costa said he was honoured to visit Vietnam and congratulated the country on the success of the recent 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

He said the upgrade to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership reflects the depth and breadth of current cooperation and the shared ambition to further expand ties in key areas such as trade, green and digital transitions, security and people-to-people exchanges.

Costa stressed that this is the first comprehensive strategic partnership established by the EU with a Southeast Asian country, underscoring Vietnam’s growing role and importance in the bloc’s Asia-Pacific policy.

On economic cooperation, Costa praised the positive outcomes delivered by the EVFTA, saying it has contributed to deeper integration and stronger growth for both sides.

He said there remains substantial room to further expand cooperation, ranging from trade and clean energy to the marine economy, defence and security, and other emerging areas.

Amid growing challenges to the international order, Costa said the EU and Vietnam should stand together as reliable and responsible partners to promote shared prosperity and uphold international law.

He added that the EU–Vietnam partnership also strengthens coordination on global issues, including sustainable supply chains, green and digital transitions, maritime security, regional stability and cooperation at multilateral forums.

EC President Antonio Costa warmly welcomed in Hanoi on Vietnam visit

VOV.VN - Vietnamese President Luong Cuong has hosted a welcoming ceremony for European Council President Antonio Costa who is paying an official visit to Vietnam on January 28-29.