Receiving Greek Ambassador Antonios Papakostas, Cuong appreciated Greece early ratifying the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), but emphasized that investment cooperation between Vietnam and Greece remains modest compared to its full potential.

To address the issue, the President urged the Ambassador to work closely with Vietnamese partners to expand economic-trade-investment cooperation; facilitate the signing of key agreements to create a legal framework for business expansion; and leverage the EU - Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) for mutual benefits.

At the same time the president encouraged Greece to support the ratification of EVIPA by other EU countries and advocate for the European Commission to lift the IUU “yellow card” on Vietnamese seafood exported to the bloc.

The President highly appreciated the mutual support between Vietnam and Greece in multilateral forums such as the United Nations (UN) and UNESCO, and expressed his hope for further cooperation in fostering ASEAN-EU relations.

Ambassador Papakostas shared his deep appreciation for the hospitality and goodwill of the Vietnamese government and people, and vowed to work hard to further enhance bilateral cooperation during his tenure.

Welcoming Colombian Ambassador Camila Maria Polo Flores at the reception, President Cuong reaffirmed Vietnam’s support for Colombia’s peace process and its desire to deepen bilateral ties for mutual benefit and for global peace and stability.

He welcomed the positive developments in economic and trade cooperation between Vietnam and Colombia in recent years, and expressed his hope that both countries would enhance existing cooperation mechanisms and strengthen coordination at multilateral forums, particularly the United Nations.

He commended Colombia for successfully hosting the 2024 P4G Summit and for its close collaboration with Vietnam in preparation for its hosting of P4G 2025.

Ambassador Camila Maria Polo Flores shared that a key priority during her tenure would be to promote bilateral relations across multiple sectors; and coordinate efforts for the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Colombia diplomatic relations. She affirmed Colombia’s view of Vietnam as a trusted partner both in the region and globally.

The diplomat expected that Colombia would learn from Vietnam’s economic growth model and at the same time collaborate with the Southeast Asian country in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), clean energy, as well as multilateral and international cooperation.

President Luong Cuong welcomed the proposals, and urged the Ambassador to enhance Vietnam-Colombia cooperation in diplomacy, trade, investment, culture, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges, alongside bilateral political and economic collaboration.

Receiving Ambassador Nubiela Ayala Modes of Panama, President Luong Cuong reaffirmed that Vietnam values Panama’s role and position in Central America and Latin America and is committed to consolidating the traditional friendship and mutual trust in political relations. He emphasized the need to enhance the effectiveness of cooperation, particularly in economy-trade-investment, culture, and people-to-people exchanges, for the benefit of both countries and for peace, stability, and development in both regions and globally.

He also underscored the importance of organizing activities to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, by fostering cooperation in culture, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges. He assured that the Vietnamese government and relevant ministries would work closely with the ambassador and provide all necessary support to ensure her successful tenure in Vietnam.

The Panamanian Ambassador affirmed her commitment to making every effort during her tenure to promote the traditional friendship and effective cooperation between the two countries, especially in political, economic, trade, and investment relations.

Agreeing with the President’s assessment, the Ambassador expressed her hope that both sides would continue expanding cooperation in various fields in line with their potential and strengths. She also hoped that Vietnam would continue to support Panama within international forums.

President outlines key tasks for Presidential Office, Foreign Ministry

State President Luong Cuong chaired a working session on March 13 with representatives from the Presidential Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and related agencies to set key tasks for the coming period.