Vietnam and Poland chart a new course in bilateral relations

Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung welcomed Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk on his return to Vietnam for an official visit after 16 years. The visit comes as the two countries mark 76 years of diplomatic relations, established in 1950.

He expressed Vietnam’s deep appreciation for the valuable support provided by the Polish Government and people during Vietnam’s struggles for independence and national reunification, as well as in its subsequent process of renewal and development.

The Vietnamese leader also praised Poland’s socio-economic achievements, describing it as one of the European Union’s dynamic growth economies. He believed that Poland’s economic development agenda for 2026 would provide fresh impetus for growth, strengthen the country’s regional and international standing, and support its ambition to become a full member of the G20.

“Vietnam consistently values and wishes to strengthen its traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation with Poland, one of our leading partners in Central and Eastern Europe,” Prime Minister Hung said.

He particularly welcomed the decision to upgrade bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership during Prime Minister Tusk’s visit, saying the new framework would help identify key orientations and make better use of the two countries’ cooperation potential.

Returning to Vietnam after 16 years, Prime Minister Tusk said he was struck by the profound changes he has witnessed in Da Nang, the ancient town of Hoi An and Hanoi. He noted Vietnam’s achievements had far exceeded his previous expectations.

According to the Polish Prime Minister, Vietnam’s rapid transformation is truly impressive and that the country is one of the most striking examples in world history of how hard work, the aspiration to progress and the value of peace could be harnessed to drive development. He added both Poland and Vietnam could take pride in having risen strongly from the devastation of war, with their achievements now attracting international admiration.

Strengthening economic and emerging-sector cooperation

Prime Minister Tusk’s visit carries political, diplomatic and economic significance, reflecting Poland’s regard for Vietnam as a priority partner in the Indo-Pacific and a leading partner within ASEAN. It also provides an opportunity to advance cooperation priorities discussed during the Vietnamese Prime Minister’s visit to Poland in January 2025.

During the visit, the two sides focused on trade, investment, science and technology, education and training, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges. Priorities include expanding market access, strengthening business connections and making effective use of the EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).

Both countries are currently seeking to expand cooperation in emerging areas with considerable potential, including digital transformation, artificial intelligence, green technology and high-quality human resource training.

Poland is one of Vietnam’s important trading partners in Central and Eastern Europe. Bilateral trade has continued to grow, particularly since the EVFTA took effect. Two-way trade reached US$3.94 billion in 2025, up 14.8% from the previous year. In the first seven months of 2026, it exceeded US$2.6 billion, an increase of 17% year on year.

Building on this momentum, the new Strategic Partnership offers a framework for both countries to broaden cooperation, strengthen economic links and translate their longstanding friendship into tangible benefits for their people.

Vietnam and Poland upgrade relations to strategic partnership

VOV.VN - Vietnam and Poland have upgraded their relations to a Strategic Partnership, opening a new chapter in bilateral cooperation.