EC President congratulates Viet Nam on 50th anniversary of national reunification

Costa stressed that this is the historic event of great significance not only for Viet Nam but also for the conscience of the entire world.

To expressed his gratitude to the European Union (EU) and the President of the European Council himself for their warm congratulations on this occasion.

He underscored the significance of the 1975 victory – the glorious milestone in Viet Nam's history of national building and protection, which opened up a new era for the country to build a peaceful, unified, independent, democratic, and prosperous nation.

The triumph was not only a result of the great national unity and the Vietnamese people's aspiration for peace, independence, freedom, and national reunification, but also a profound reflection of the power of shared aspirations and international support for peace and national independence, he noted.

Viet Nam deeply values and appreciates the invaluable support of the international community, including EU member states, the leader said.

To expressed thanks to the President of the European Council for his affection and support for the development of Viet Nam-EU relations. He expressed his satisfaction with the dynamic and comprehensive development of the bilateral relations from politics - diplomacy, trade - investment, defence - security to new areas such as green transition, science - technology, and innovation.

He affirmed that after 35 years of diplomatic relations, both Viet Nam and the EU as well as their relationship are now in a new stage of development.

The Party chief affirmed that in the context of difficult world trade, Viet Nam advocates multilateralization, diversification, and equal and mutually beneficial cooperation with all partners, including the EU and its member states, towards balanced, sustainable trade collaboration and harmonising the interests of all parties to achieve common development goals.

The General Secretary suggested the two sides actively discuss and coordinate to find common solutions to difficulties and obstacles in order to strongly develop economic cooperation in the coming time.

Costa affirmed that the two sides are important, trustworthy and stable partners of each other. He noted with delight that the bilateral relationship is developing dynamically and strongly in all areas, affirming Viet Nam is a fundamental partner of the EU in Southeast Asia and the EU-Viet Nam relationship deserves being elevated to a new level.

He said that the EU is proud to be part of Viet Nam's network of free trade agreements, and hoped that the Viet Nam - EU relationship will be a model for the EU's cooperation with other countries.

The President of the European Council affirmed that in the context of complex world geopolitics and economic developments, the EU wishes to strengthen cooperation with Viet Nam to promote free trade and respond to global challenges, including climate change.

The two sides need to strengthen collaboration in the fields of transport, infrastructure connectivity, green transition, digital transformation, and innovation, he said.

Costa said he will coordinate efforts to promote the priorities in bilateral relations as outlined by the Vietnamese Party chief. These include exchanges of high-ranking delegations, the effective implementation of cooperation mechanisms as well as the EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) while setting forth new cooperation initiatives.

Efforts will also be made to urge the remaining EU member states to soon complete the ratification of the EU-Viet Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), support Viet Nam in the implementation of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) to achieve net-zero emission target by 2050, and urge the European Commission (EC) to consider lifting the "yellow card" imposed on Vietnamese seafood.

Regarding the international and regional situation, General Secretary To affirmed that Viet Nam welcomes the EU and its member countries to implement a number of cooperation initiatives with the Indo-Pacific region with a balanced approach and many cooperation priorities suitable for countries in the region, including Viet Nam.

The two leaders agreed that Viet Nam and the EU need to strengthen cooperation at multilateral forums, contributing to ensuring peace, stability and security in the world, supporting the settlement of disputes in the East Sea by peaceful means, in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982), thus helping ensure peace, stability and freedom of navigation and overflight in the region.

The President of the European Council agreed with the Vietnamese Party leader's sharing that Viet Nam is a nation that loves peace, is ready to be a bridge for peace, reconciliation, and actively and responsibly participate in solving regional and global issues.

On this occasion, General Secretary To congratulated the EU and the President of the European Council on the occasion of Europe Day (May 9). He respectfully invited Costa to visit Viet Nam at a suitable time, and the latter accepted the invitation with pleasure./.