Ireland, Vietnam seek to build stronger links across multiple areas

During talks Deputy PM Martin welcomed the visit, the first to Ireland made by a Vietnamese FM over the past 20 years, and congratulated the Southeast Asian nation on its socio-economic achievements.

Hailing the Vietnamese position and role in the region and the world, the host said Ireland regards the country as a leading partner in the Asia-Pacific region, and that Irish people have special sentiments towards Vietnam.

In response, FM Son affirmed that nation’s recognition of its relations with Ireland, as well as its wishes to consolidate political trust and deepen all-around co-operation between the two countries for sustainable development, peace, co-operation, and development in the region and the world as a whole.

For measures aimed at boosting bilateral collaboration in politics and diplomacy, the two ministers consented to step up delegation exchanges and contacts at all levels, especially high level ones. This will be done whilst raising the efficiency of legislative co-operation, effectively carrying out collaboration mechanisms, and intensify the close ties and mutual support at multilateral forums like the UN and co-operation mechanisms between ASEAN and the EU.

Deputy PM Martin said he hopes that the Vietnamese side will soon open its Embassy in Ireland to boost the bilateral ties.

Regarding economic, trade, and investment links, a pillar of the bilateral relationship, the two sides consented to maintain their close coordination and too maximise the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).

FM Son suggested that Ireland incentivize its businesses to invest in the Vietnamese market in the areas which Ireland has strengths in and matches the nation’s socio-economic development orientations like digital transformation, energy transition, and high-tech agriculture.

The Irish side highlighted the country as a leading trade partner of Ireland, whilst there is ample room to boost bilateral co-operation in this field.

The Irish Deputy PM pledged that his nation will consider Vietnamese suggestion about the acceleration of the ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).

Ireland will also propose the European Commission (EC) to soon remove its “yellow card” warning placed on Vietnamese seafood, he said, asking Vietnam to facilitate the import of high-quality farm produce and food from Ireland.  

FM Son was appreciative of Ireland’s aid projects to Vietnam over recent times and called on the country to continue its official development assistance (ODA), especially in human resources development, support for disadvantaged groups, and the settlement of bomb and mine consequences.

In terms of national defence and security, the two countries will intensify policy consultations and UN peacekeeping training for Vietnam, further exchange expertise, and work together to fight organised, cross-border, and high-tech crimes.

The ministers also agreed on measures to ramp up co-operation in education-training, labour, tourism and people-to-people exchanges, as well as exchanging views on co-operation opportunities in new, potential spheres such as renewable energy, the digital economy, and climate change.

They compared notes on regional and international issues of mutual concern, going on to express their support for multilateralism and rules-based international order, saying that disputes should be settled by peaceful measures in accordance with the UN Charter.

Concerning the East Sea issue, they shared the stance on ensuring peace, stability, security, co-operation, and development in the region, as well as handling disputes by peaceful measures with respect for international law and the UN Charter, and the respect for the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

On this occasion, the officials signed an agreement to tighten co-operation between the two ministries in the time to come.

While in Ireland, FM Son met with Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann (speaker of the upper house) Jerry Buttimer, and Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann (speaker of the lower house) Seán Ó Fearghaíl.

The Minister stressed that Vietnam wishes to push up its parliamentary ties with Ireland, thereby contributing to advancing the relationship between the two countries moving forward.

The hosts affirmed the importance they place on the mutual relationship, and commended Vietnamese achievements in socio-economic development, poverty reduction, and social welfare.
They also voiced support for a co-operation agreement between the Irish parliament and the Vietnamese National Assembly.

The two sides outlined that substantial opportunities remain for the two nations to expand ties and concurred to strengthen all-level delegation exchanges, including those between committees and working groups of the legislatures, while also beefing up ties at multilateral parliamentary forums like the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership (ASEP).

FM Son also called on the Irish parliament to soon ratify the EVIPA and urge the EC to soon lift the “yellow card” warning on Vietnamese seafood.

Fearghaíl spoke glowingly of contributions made by the Vietnamese community to Ireland’s socio-economic development, promising to help them further integrate into the host society.

The same day, FM Son had a meeting with Honorary Consul of Vietnam in Dublin Patrick Gerard McKillen, during which the Minister expressed his confidence that the Honorary Consul will serve as an important bridge of friendship between the two countries, especially in business-to-business connectivity, education, and training.