Vietnam expects EU to soon remove “yellow card” warning on IUU fishing

Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son held phone talks with Vice President of the European Commission (EC) and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell on May 24 during which, Son affirmed  Vietnam’s recognition of great importance to deepening its relations with the European Union (EU) in the time to come.

During the talks, Borrell expressed his confidence that the EU-Vietnam relations will be further strengthened as the EU is actively carrying out a range of policies and initiatives towards the region such as the cooperation strategy with Indo-Pacific and the Global Gateway, with Vietnam among its prioritised cooperation partners.

Both sides showed their elation at the positive outcomes following the nearly two-year enforcement of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) despite difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The EU remained Vietnam’s third largest export market and fifth biggest import market.

They consented to push up the bilateral cooperation on a par with their potential and better meet interests of both sides by intensifying high-level delegation exchanges, effectively implementing the existing cooperation mechanisms, boosting closer coordination at multilateral forums, stepping up the ASEAN-EU cooperation, and expanding collaboration in energy, climate change response, green transition, digital economy and infrastructure.

The EU High Representative took note of Vietnam’s proposal to soon remove the “yellow card” warning on illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing for the Southeast Asian nation, and urge EU member countries to soon ratify the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).

The Vietnamese diplomat thanked the EU and its member countries for their supply of vaccines and medical equipment to Vietnam in the COVID-19 fight, thus facilitating trade, tourism and economic recovery of both sides in the post-pandemic period.

The pair also compared notes on regional and international issues of shared concern.
Regarding the Ukraine issue, Son reiterated Vietnam’s unwavering policy of backing the settlement of disputes and differences via peaceful measures in line with the UN Charter and fundamental principles of international law, ensuring security and safety of civilians, and protecting essential civilian infrastructure, and supporting and standing ready to contribute to humanitarian aid activities, diplomatic processes, dialogues and negotiations, as well as reconstruction and restoration in Ukraine.

FM Son once again invited Borrell to visit Vietnam and his invitation was graciously accepted.

The same day, Son held phone talks with Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó, during which Minister Bui Thanh Son congratulated Szijjártó Péter on being re-appointed as Hungarian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and External Economic Relations for the new term.

The two sides  affirmed the importance they place on the Vietnam-Hungary comprehensive partnership as well as progress in the bilateral cooperation over the past time, with the regular exchange of delegations at all levels, including high-level ones.

They expressed their delight at the achievements in economic cooperation, with two-way trade crossing US$1 billion last year, and agreed to fully tap their strength and potential and bolster collaboration in an effective and pragmatic manner in the time ahead.

Both sides will work hand in hand to make thorough preparations for the 10th meeting of the Vietnam-Hungary Joint Committee for Economic Cooperation in the coming time.

Son thanked Hungary for prioritising Vietnam in providing official development assistance, and hailed both sides’ joint efforts to accelerate cooperation projects using ODA from the Hungarian government, including Can Tho Oncology Hospital.

On this occasion, the Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs invited Son to visit his nation at an appropriate time in the future.