Deputy FM Le Thi Thu Hang: Vietnam and EU have all the potential and conditions to advance and deepen cooperation
WVR - On the evening of May 8, in Hanoi, the Delegation of the European Union (EU) in Vietnam organized Europe Day 2026. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang attended and delivered a congratulatory speech.
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| Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang takes a commemorative photo with Ambassadors of EU member countries. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
Also attending the event were EU Ambassador to Vietnam Julien Guerrier; representatives from Embassies, international organizations, and the Vietnamese and European business communities.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Julien Guerrier emphasized that over the past decades, Vietnam and the EU have built a deep and forward-looking partnership.
Notably, since the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) came into effect in 2020, bilateral trade has increased by more than 50%, reshaping economic relations and creating numerous opportunities for businesses and citizens on both sides.
The EU is currently the largest ODA provider to Vietnam, through the Global Gateway strategy and the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).
According to Ambassador Guerrier, this is evidence of the EU's shared commitment to realizing Vietnam's goals: becoming a developed economy by 2045 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Ambassador Guerrier stated that 2026 marks a new height in Vietnam-EU relations, with the visit of European Council President Antonio Costa in January 2026, upgrading bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
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| EU Ambassador to Vietnam Julien Guerrier delivers the opening speech. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
In March 2026, the Vietnam-EU Investment and Business Forum was held for the first time, with the presence of EU Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Sikela and Vice President of the European Investment Bank Nicola Beer. The forum gathered over 800 representatives from government and economic sectors, unveiling new pathways for investment, innovation, and sustainable growth.
Ambassador Guerrier also noted that in a world full of volatility, the EU is a steadfast and stable partner, providing capital and technology to support Vietnam's growth and economic aspirations in various fields such as secure communications, energy and transportation infrastructure, critical materials, semiconductors, and artificial intelligence (AI) – industries that will shape the future of economies. The joint venture between Maersk/APMT and Hateco for the Lien Chieu port project in Da Nang is a prime example of this cooperation.
“We also stand with Vietnam in promoting renewable energy investment to ensure energy security – a more pressing priority than ever amid global uncertainties and the crisis in the Middle East,” Ambassador Julien Guerrier pointed out.
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| Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang and Ambassador Julien Guerrier perform the national anthems of Vietnam and the EU. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
Additionally, Ambassador Guerrier affirmed that celebrating Europe Day is to honor the EU as a bold vision aimed at unifying and bringing peace to Europe after the devastation of World War II. Over the past 80 years, the EU has brought peace and prosperity to the European people, making it one of the most livable places in the world; a continent where education and healthcare are rights for all; where prosperity is widely shared; safety and happiness are always ranked highest; and peace and security are the foundation of daily life.
The EU diplomat also stated that in recent years, international partnerships have become more essential than ever. No single country can tackle climate change, manage supply chain disruptions, or safeguard peace and security alone. No region can isolate itself from geopolitical shocks or economic volatility. The challenges we face, from rising temperatures to escalating tensions, require collective action and shared ambition. And the EU is leading that path.
“We are building strong, fair, and solid partnerships for the future, from Latin America to the Indo-Pacific, Africa, and especially here in ASEAN, where Vietnam emerges as a pioneering nation with more agreements signed with the EU than any other country in the region. The EU will always be a reliable and stable partner for Vietnam. A partner investing in Vietnam's long-term future,” Ambassador Guerrier emphasized.
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| According to Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang, 2026 is a pivotal year with profound symbolic significance in Vietnam-EU relations. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
On behalf of the Vietnamese Government, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang extended the warmest and most sincere congratulations to Ambassador Julien Guerrier, the Ambassadors, and all European friends.
According to the Deputy Minister, after more than 35 years of persistent cultivation, Vietnam-EU relations are increasingly developing, substantial, and full of breakthrough potential. Over the past year, despite facing many challenges and difficulties, the EU has continued to consolidate its position as Vietnam's fourth-largest trading partner and sixth-largest investor; Vietnam is the EU's 16th largest global trading partner and largest in ASEAN.
For many EU member countries, Vietnam is a leading economic, trade, and investment partner with strategic significance in the region. Since the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) came into effect five years ago, bilateral trade has witnessed impressive growth, averaging 10% annually.
European and member country development projects have also contributed to improving the lives of people and supporting economic and social development in many localities in Vietnam, especially in remote areas and ethnic minority regions.
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| Overview of the event. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang noted that 2026 is a pivotal year with profound symbolic significance in Vietnam-EU relations, beginning with the first-ever visit of a European Council President to Vietnam immediately after the 14th Party Congress. Both sides have officially upgraded their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership, reflecting deep political trust and a shared vision for a new era of development.
Notably, the commitments are not just on paper but have been swiftly transformed into urgent and substantive actions. This new momentum is exemplified by the visit of EU Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Sikela and the success of the first Vietnam-EU Business and Investment Forum.
Upcoming, the visit of the EU Commissioner for Entrepreneurship, Research, and Innovation will further affirm the determination of both sides to unlock new growth drivers, bringing the bilateral relationship to its full potential and meeting the expectations of both parties.
The Deputy Minister stated that in the context of a rapidly changing and complex world, presenting unprecedented challenges in human history, the need to join hands, enhance cooperation, strengthen trust, and maintain peace and stability becomes even more urgent.
As United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has emphasized, in the face of common challenges, humanity needs to act together to move towards a more connected and harmonious world, rather than allowing division to hinder our progress.
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| Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang affirms that Vietnam values and wishes to strongly promote relations with the EU and all member countries, identifying this as one of its foreign policy priorities. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
In that spirit, the Deputy Minister affirmed that Vietnam values and wishes to strongly promote relations with the EU and all member countries, identifying this as one of its foreign policy priorities.
Vietnam and the EU have all the potential and conditions to advance and deepen cooperation, creating breakthroughs and achieving even more brilliant successes in key areas of the new era such as science and technology, innovation, green and digital transformation, meeting the long-term interests of each side and making practical contributions to maintaining and strengthening a peaceful, stable, and sustainable development environment in each region and globally.
“On this occasion, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Ambassador Julien Guerrier and the Ambassadors of EU member countries, along with colleagues at the EU Delegation and Embassies, and partners at Eurocham for accompanying and supporting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well as myself, in promoting cooperation and sharing challenges, striving to contribute to the friendship and Vietnam-EU relations,” Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang expressed.
