Vietnamese Foreign Minister Discusses Strengthening Cooperation with EU Officials in Brussels

Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son of Vietnam reaffirmed his country's commitment to enhancing its comprehensive cooperation and partnership with the European Union (EU) during a meeting in Brussels. The discussions took place as part of Minister Bui's participation in the 24th EU-ASEAN Ministerial Meeting and the 3rd EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum in Belgium.

Minister Bui proposed increasing high-level delegations' exchanges and maximizing existing cooperation mechanisms. He urged the remaining ten EU member states to expedite the ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) and requested the EC to lift the "yellow card" on Vietnamese seafood.

He emphasized the need to expand collaboration in areas like climate change adaptation and energy transition, particularly through the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) and Global Gateway strategy. Vietnam expressed its readiness to play a bridging role in advancing EU-ASEAN relations.

High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, pledged to accelerate EVIPA ratification and boost European investment in Vietnam. Both sides committed to cooperation on global and regional issues for peace, stability, and development.

Minister Bui also held meetings with other EU officials, highlighting the importance of EU-Vietnam partnerships in various areas and expressing gratitude for EU development assistance. Both sides reiterated their commitment to international law, peace, security, and freedom of navigation and aviation. These meetings aim to strengthen Vietnam's ties with the EU and its member states.