At a meeting in Hanoi on January 29, Prime Minister Chinh welcomed President Costa on his official visit to Vietnam, stressing that the visit is of great significance, marking a new stage in Vietnam–EU relations and demonstrating the two sides’ strong commitment to deepening cooperation for peace, stability and development in the region and the rest of the world.

Vietnam highly values the EU’s role and global standing and considers the EU one of its leading partners in economic, trade and investment cooperation, as well as a pioneer in promoting sustainable development, green growth, circular economy, digital transformation, clean energy and free trade, he told his guest.

Sharing Vietnam’s socio-economic development achievements, the PM noted that after nearly four decades of Đổi mới (Renewal), Vietnam has emerged as a developing economy with a GDP of around US$510 billion, ranking 32nd globally. In 2025, Vietnam recorded GDP growth of over 8.02%, with macroeconomic stability maintained, inflation under control and major balances ensured. GDP per capita reached US$5,026, placing Vietnam in the group of upper-middle-income countries.

The Prime Minister emphasised that Vietnam is entering a new phase of accelerated and breakthrough development, while steadfastly pursuing an independent, self-reliant, peaceful and cooperative foreign policy, with diversification and multilateralisation of external relations.

Regarding the implementation of the newly established Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, Prime Minister Chinh proposed that both sides enhance high-level exchanges, effectively utilise existing cooperation mechanisms and promptly implement the Joint Statement, thereby bringing bilateral relations into greater depth and effectiveness.

He reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to further improving the investment and business environment to facilitate EU enterprises’ long-term operations in the country.

The Prime Minister also expressed appreciation for the EU’s support in promoting sustainable fisheries development and called on the EU to soon send an inspection mission to Vietnam to assess the country’s efforts against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, with a view to lifting the “yellow card” on Vietnamese seafood exports.

For his part, EC President Costa congratulated Vietnam on the successful organisation of the recent 14th National Party Congress and praised the country’s impressive socio-economic achievements. He affirmed that Vietnam is an important partner of the EU in ASEAN and the Indo-Pacific region, and reiterated the EU’s strong commitment to accompanying Vietnam in its development process.

Both leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, science and technology, green and digital transition, maritime economy, clean energy and high-quality human resources training. They also agreed to fully implement the EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and work toward the early ratification of the EU–Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).

Exchanging views on regional and international issues, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism, respect for international law and peaceful settlement of disputes, and underscored the importance of maintaining peace, stability, freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Vietnam and EU upgrade ties to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

VOV.VN - Vietnam and the European Union on January 29 announced the elevation of their relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, following high-level talks between State President Luong Cuong and European Council President António Costa in Hanoi.