Vietnam regards EU as key strategic partner in integration, development
VOV.VN - General Phan Van Giang, Politburo member, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of National Defence, has emphasized that Vietnam consistently regards the European Union (EU) as a key strategic partner in its international integration and socio-economic development.
Giang made the statements during a reception in Hanoi on November 5 for Vice Chairman of the EU-ASEAN Business Council Noel Clehane, who headed a senior European business delegation.
Following European Council President António Costa's official visit to Vietnam in January 2026 and the elevation of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the official visit to the EU by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and President To Lam on October 22, 2026 reaffirmed Vietnam's priority on advancing relations with the bloc across all fields, including defence and defence industry cooperation.
The Vietnamese defence chief affirmed that bilateral defence cooperation aligns with the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership framework, notably in defence industry, high technology, aerospace, and military medicine. He stressed that Vietnam aims to build a proactive, self-reliant, dual-use, and modern defence industry that serves as a spearhead of national industry to protect its independence, sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. He added that Vietnam pursues a policy of multilateralization, diversification, and equal, mutually beneficial cooperation with all partners, including European nations.
On military medicine, Giang proposed stepping up cooperation in training, professional knowledge sharing, search and rescue operations, and epidemic response. He affirmed that the Ministry of National Defence stands ready to facilitate partnerships with capable, goodwill partners committed to long-term cooperation, expressing hope that European enterprises will transfer core technologies and support high-quality workforce training to enhance Vietnam's domestic autonomy.
For his part, Clehane noted that the delegation's working visit takes place as the two sides strengthen their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership across trade, investment, and emerging sectors including defence and security.
He highlighted European enterprises' desire to cooperate with Vietnam in economic, trade, and investment domains, contributing to the development of Vietnam-EU relations.
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