Delivering a message of peaceful, sustainable ocean cooperation

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, accompanied by his spouse and a high-level Vietnamese delegation, will attend the third UN Ocean Conference, hold bilateral meetings in France, and pay official visits to Estonia and Sweden from June 5 to 14.

The trip is made at the invitation of UN Secretary-General António Guterres, French President Emmanuel Macron, Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal, and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.

At a press briefing on June 4, Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang said PM Chinh’s trip demonstrates Vietnam’s consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation and diversification, and proactive, comprehensive, and effective international integration as outlined at the 13th National Party Congress. It serves as an important diplomatic activity aimed at accelerating the implementation of Resolution No. 59 on international integration in the new situation.

This marks PM Chinh’s first visit to France since the two countries upgraded their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in October 2024; the first trip to Sweden by a Vietnamese Prime Minister in six years; and the first time a top Vietnamese leader has visited Estonia since both nations established diplomatic relations in 1992.

At a time when the global and regional landscape is undergoing profound changes, PM Chinh’s trip holds particular significance, reflected in three key priorities: First, Vietnam aims to deliver a strong message of peace, stability, cooperation and development. On the bilateral front, the trip offers an important opportunity to deepen relations with France, Sweden and Estonia-European countries that hold significant roles and positions in Europe.

France is currently a comprehensive strategic partner, while Sweden and Estonia are traditional friends with multifaceted cooperation with Vietnam.

Second, to convey to the international community a message of determination and aspiration for development, aiming to attract maximum international resources to serve the country’s development goals in the new era.
“We all know that France has strengths in telecommunications, aviation, space, renewable energy, manufacturing technology, and high-speed railways.” said the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Third, from a multilateral perspective, PM Chinh’s participation in the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC 3) sends a consistent message that Vietnam is a reliable partner and an active, responsible member of the international community committed to a shared future of prosperity and sustainable development.

The Vietnamese diplomat stated that at UNOC 3, PM Chinh will deliver a key speech on behalf of ASEAN member states, reaffirming the regional bloc’s unwavering stance on upholding multilateralism and international law. This includes the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, aimed at tackling common challenges related to the seas and oceans.

Additionally, the PM will share the decisive and robust measures Vietnam is implementing to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) concerning the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources.

Towards deeper cooperation with the EU

Notably, according to the Deputy FM, PM Pham Minh Chinh’s visit takes place amid continued positive developments and fruitful outcomes in Vietnam’s relations with its partners.

With France, following the upgrade to a comprehensive strategic partnership in October 2024 during Party General Secretary To Lam’s official visit, France became the first EU country to reach the highest level of cooperative ties with Vietnam.

Alongside French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Vietnam in late May 2025, political trust between the two countries has been increasingly reinforced and expanded. Economic and trade cooperation remains a key pillar in Vietnam-France relations.

Sweden and Estonia are important traditional friends and key partners of Vietnam, with broad areas of cooperation. Sweden, in particular, is known for its strong support during Vietnam’s struggle for national independence and reunification. It is also the largest provider of non-refundable aid to Vietnam among Nordic countries, having contributed over US$3 billion since 1967, mainly in healthcare, economic and administrative reforms, and institution building.

The third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC 3) is a significant event guiding the final phase of implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14 on the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources.

Amid ongoing threats to the oceans, such as climate change, acidification, and plastic pollution, and persistent challenges in achieving SDG 14, PM Chinh’s attendance at UNOC 3 will clearly affirm Vietnam’s role as an active, responsible member of the international community. It underscores the importance of multilateralism, the United Nations’ role, and compliance with international law.

Especially highlighted is the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982) as a key framework for dealing with maritime and ocean issues.  Vietnam’s participation also strongly conveys its proactive and responsible approach, demonstrating readiness to boost cooperation and partnerships for a blue ocean that is peaceful, stable, sustainable, and prosperous – objectives central to the conference.

NA Chairman hosts European diplomats

The European Union (EU) and its members are always leading important partners in Vietnam’s foreign policy, Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man said while hosting a reception for EU Ambassador Julien Guerrier and ambassadors and Charges D’s Affaires ad interim of EU states to Vietnam in Hanoi on June 17.