Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh hosts European diplomats in Viet Nam

The meeting took place following the success of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Viet Nam and the upgrade of the Viet Nam-EU relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Prime Minister Pham reassured that the EU and its member states remain among Viet Nam's top priority partners in the foreign policy adopted at the 14th National Party Congress. He noted that the establishment of the new partnership framework between Viet Nam and the EU reflects growing political trust and injects fresh momentum to expand cooperation across various fields.

The Prime Minister called on both sides to further strengthen cooperation in a spirit of mutual benefit, effectively implement the EU–Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), promote open and balanced trade, improve market access, and safeguard the legitimate interests of businesses from both sides.

He also urged EU ambassadors and chargés d'affaires to encourage the remaining EU member states to soon ratify the EU–Viet Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA). At the same time, he proposed enhancing collaboration in areas such as green transition, digital transformation, transport infrastructure development, science and technology, and innovation.

Regarding mobility, Pham affirmed that Viet Nam will continue facilitating visa procedures for foreign citizens, including those from the EU, while suggesting that the EU simplify visa procedures for Vietnamese citizens and consider granting visa exemptions for holders of Vietnamese diplomatic and official passports.

Addressing the issue of combating Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing (IUU), Pham stressed that Viet Nam is actively deploying comprehensive measures to improve its legal framework, strengthen seafood traceability, monitor fishing vessels, and strictly handle violations.

Viet Nam stands ready to cooperate closely with inspection teams from the European Commission and calls on EU countries to recognize the country's efforts and support the early removal of the EC's IUU "yellow card", while assisting Viet Nam in developing a modern and sustainable fisheries sector.

On behalf of EU countries, EU Chargé d'Affaires ad interim to Viet Nam Rafael De Bustamante thanked the Prime Minister for the meeting and congratulated Viet Nam on the successful organization of the 14th National Party Congress. He also praised the country's socio-economic development achievements.

Bustamante affirmed that Viet Nam is an important partner of the EU in the Indo-Pacific and within ASEAN, stressing that the EU is a reliable partner of Viet Nam and is keen to further deepen cooperation across all areas.

The European diplomats noted that the new Comprehensive Strategic Partnership framework between Viet Nam and the EU offers significant opportunities to boost trade, diversify markets and supply chains, develop the marine economy and critical infrastructure, and enhance collaboration in investment, science and technology, and green growth — areas where the EU holds strong advantages.

They also welcomed Viet Nam's determination and recognized its efforts to combat IUU fishing, expressing their desire to continue cooperating with the country in developing sustainable fisheries. On the occasion, they also requested Viet Nam to facilitate consular services and support the protection of EU citizens in the country.

On the occasion, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh invited EU leaders, particularly the European Commissioner for International Partnerships, to visit Viet Nam and attend the EU–Viet Nam Global Gateway Business and Investment Forum scheduled for March 24 in Ha Noi./.