Vietnam and the European Union have agreed to explore maritime economic cooperation as a potential new pillar of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This initiative aims to focus on ocean protection, maritime security, and sustainable development, following talks between Vietnam’s Party General Secretary and State President To Lam and European Council President António Costa during To Lam’s official visit to the EU.
Both leaders emphasized the importance of enhancing bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in key areas such as the green transition, innovation, strategic infrastructure, and the circular economy. They highlighted the necessity of translating existing commitments into practical projects that foster economic growth and improve living standards.
To Lam expressed Vietnam’s prioritization of its partnership with the EU, advocating for stronger trade, investment, and economic connectivity. He encouraged both parties to leverage the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement to broaden commercial opportunities. Additionally, he called for action on the EU’s warning regarding illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing and expedited ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement.
Costa underscored the EU’s dedication to deepening economic cooperation with Vietnam, pointing to initiatives like Global Gateway to support sustainable infrastructure investment and the energy transition. He also conveyed the EU’s readiness to expand collaboration in maritime safety, cybersecurity, crisis management, and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.
The discussions also touched on regional and international developments, with both leaders agreeing to strengthen coordination through multilateral institutions. They reaffirmed their support for the United Nations Charter, international law, and peaceful dispute resolution, while stressing the importance of maintaining peace, security, and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, including the freedom of navigation and overflight as per international law.
The EU reiterated its backing of ASEAN centrality and highlighted Vietnam’s role in enhancing relations between Europe and Southeast Asia. These discussions indicate a growing momentum in Vietnam-EU relations, with both sides eager to expand cooperation in maritime industries, sustainable investment, trade, and regional security.