Viet Nam, EU agree to further elevate ties

The fifth meeting of the Viet Nam-EU Joint Committee to review the bilateral relations and cooperation within the framework of the Viet Nam–EU Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) took place in Ha Noi on October 22.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang and Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific at the European External Action Service (EEAS) Niclas Kvarnström co-chaired the meeting.

Both sides discussed measures to develop and deepen cooperation in new fronts such as just energy transition and connectivity, including transportation, digital transformation, critical raw materials, semiconductors, research and innovation, and education in a bid to unlock new opportunities and inject momentum in Viet Nam-EU relations, benefiting both sides.

The EU announced new policies under the European Green Deal framework, such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and the Regulation on Deforestation-Free Products (EUDR), including a proposal to extend the transition period for this regulation by 12 months.

The EU welcomed Viet Nam's proactive approach to the EUDR, while Viet Nam expressed gratitude for the EU’ssupportive measures to help Vietnamese suppliers comply with these new regulations.

Also at the meeting, toth sides exchanged views on the ASEAN-EU relations, on a range of political and security issues in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond as well as the situation in the Middle East, the East Sea, and Myanmar, calling for peaceful solutions based on international law and the United Nations Charter.

Regarding the East Sea issue, both sides expressed deep concern over recent developments and reaffirmed the importance of ensuring peace, stability, security, and freedom of navigation and overflight.

They emphasized the need for all parties to exercise restraint and resolve disputes via peaceful means in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Viet Nam and the EU also discussed trade and investment, including tax cooperation, and reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the implementation of the EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement for the benefit of both parties.

The two sides reviewed the progress in the fisheries sector, including ongoing activities related to combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

They hoped to strengthen cooperation on connectivity and sustainable development, particularly within the framework of the EU's Global Gateway strategy, with a specific focus on the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).

They vowed to accelerate green energy transition in Viet Nam in line with the nation’s net-zero emissions target.

Both sides shared their viewpoints and objectives for the upcoming international negotiations related to climate, environment, and biodiversity to develop initiatives for global sustainable development./.