The ambassadors are in Viet Nam to attend the Asia-Pacific Regional Conference (ASIAPAC).
Dung emphasized that Viet Nam places great importance on relations with the E.U.. He welcomed the E.U.’s pioneering role in promoting sustainable development and praised its Indo-Pacific Strategy for advancing supply chain connectivity, green transition, and clean energy, thereby contributing to peace, stability and sustainable development in the region and worldwide.
The Deputy PM expressed his satisfaction that political trust between Viet Nam and the E.U. has continued to grow through exchanges of delegations and high-level and other-level contacts. Notably, the two sides elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the President of the European Council’s visit to Viet Nam in January 2026, and agreed on specific cooperation orientations during General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee and President To Lam’s visit to the E.U. in October.
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Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung (right) receives Erik Kurzweil, Managing Director for Asia-Pacific at the European External Action Service (EEAS), in Ha Noi on November 11, 2026. |
Six years after the entry into force of the E.U.-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), the E.U. is now Viet Nam’s fourth-largest trading partner, third-largest export market and fifth-largest import market. Viet Nam is the E.U.’s largest trading partner in goods in ASEAN.
Dung said Viet Nam is entering a new stage of development and resolutely implementing major policies and guidelines to achieve its national development goals for 2030 and 2045. The country hopes to continue receiving support, close cooperation and practical resources from the E.U. and its member states.
He called on both sides to continue strengthening political trust and translate the bilateral Comprehensive Strategic Partnership into practical cooperation plans, programs and projects. He also stressed stronger coordination at regional and international forums, particularly within the United Nations and ASEAN-E.U. frameworks, with a view to upgrading ASEAN-E.U. relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2027, marking the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-E.U. relations.
The two sides should also promote economic, trade and investment cooperation, making Viet Nam-E.U. relations an important link in interregional economic connectivity. They should effectively implement the EVFTA, continue opening their markets to each other and further promote their roles as important trading partners, he said.
The Deputy PM stressed the need for deeper cooperation in science, technology and innovation, and proposed expanding collaboration from joint research to the commercialization of research outcomes, particularly in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, space technology and green technology.
He also called for stronger cooperation on sustainable development and the formulation and implementation of strategic energy transition projects in nuclear energy, hydrogen, wind and solar power.
Alongside promoting cooperation in biotechnology and the development of sustainable, high-tech agriculture, making effective use of each side’s potential and strengths, the Deputy PM said Viet Nam hopes for stronger and broader cooperation in security and defense, education and training, culture, tourism, local-level cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.
In response, Kurzweil emphasized that the E.U. attaches importance to cooperation in maritime security, supply chain diversification, energy, technology, green transition and digital transformation. He also highlighted the importance of multilateralism, respect for international law and the peaceful settlement of disputes.
Describing Viet Nam as a key E.U. partner in ASEAN with an increasingly important role and influence in the region, Kurzweil said the two sides share many common interests in regional stability, international law and multilateral cooperation.
Julien Guerrier, E.U. Ambassador and Head of the E.U. Delegation to Viet Nam, said choosing Viet Nam as host of the ASIAPAC conference reflects the country’s growing importance in the region and in relations with the E.U. The elevation of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and General Secretary and President To Lam’s recent visit to the E.U. have provided fresh momentum for cooperation.
Affirming that the EVFTA is an important foundation for Viet Nam-E.U. economic relations, Guerrier highlighted the potential for cooperation in implementing the agreement, promoting investment protection, and developing renewable energy, infrastructure, high technology and sustainable agriculture. He said European businesses stand ready to contribute advanced technologies and expertise to support Viet Nam in achieving its development goals.
Source: VNA