Prime Minister hosts top Portuguese diplomat

The Prime Minister underscored that Viet Nam always treasures and expects to deepen the friendship and multi-faceted relations with Portugal.

Pham called on the two sides to strengthen political trust and increase all-level delegation exchanges, especially high-level visits, and elevate the bilateral ties towards a more substantive and effective manner.

Regarding the high complementarity between the two economies, the Vietnamese leader underlined the need to maximize each side's advantages to promote economic, trade, and investment cooperation as a key pillar of the bilateral relations.

He also proposed establishing cooperation mechanisms between the two countries to create favorable conditions for long-term and stable cooperation opportunities.

The host urged both sides to foster stronger ties in enhancing renewable energy based on the principle of "risk-sharing and harmonizing benefits", and encourage Portuguese enterprises to participate in offshore wind, solar power, and energy infrastructure projects in Viet Nam.

In addition, the Prime Minister highlighted the great potential for developing maritime economy, suggesting the two sides strengthen ties in maritime affairs, seaports, shipbuilding, logistics, and related fields, in line with each country's marine development strategy.

The two nations should effectively leverage the free trade agreements between Viet Nam and the EU, support efforts to encourage the remaining EU member states to soon ratify the EU–Viet Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) and enhance exchanges and sharing of experience in digital transformation, innovation, healthcare, sports, and education and training—particularly the teaching of Portuguese, told Pham.

He asked for facilitating travel between the two sides by granting visa exemptions to citizens of both countries.

Rangel, for his part, reiterated that Portugal considers Viet Nam one of its important partners in Southeast Asia and wishes to further deepen multifaceted cooperation with the country.

Portugal stands ready to work with Viet Nam in promoting high-level delegation exchanges and boosting business connectivity in order to soon achieve the bilateral trade target of US$1 billion.

The guest underlined the potential for further cooperation in renewable energy and maritime economy, affirming that Portuguese enterprises possess the experience and technology, willing to participate in projects in Viet Nam.

Both sides vowed to promote coordination at multilateral forums, support multilateralism, and respect international law.

Regarding the East Sea issue, the two leaders asserted that parties must comply with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), to maintain peace and stability and increase trust among nations./.