FM Bui Thanh Son meets EU High Representative Josep Borrell, European Ministers in Brussels

FM Bui Thanh Son meets EU High Representative Josep Borrell, European Ministers in Brussels: Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son and High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Vice President of the European Commission (EC), Josep Borrell. (Photo: Viet Ha)

On February 1-2, on the occasion of the 24th ASEAN-EU Ministerial Meeting (AEMM-24) and 3rd EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum in Brussels, Belgium, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son held numerous meetings with Foreign Ministers from various countries. They discussed specific issues related to promoting bilateral cooperation and coordination in regional and international mechanisms.

At the meeting with High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Vice President of the European Commission (EC), Josep Borrell, Minister Son emphasized Vietnam's commitment to strengthening and deepening the framework of the Comprehensive partnership and Cooperation between Vietnam-EU.

The Minister proposes that both sides enhance high-level delegation exchanges; fully deploy and effectively implement existing cooperation mechanisms; the remaining 10 EU member states complete the ratification of the Vietnam-EU Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), and the European Commission promptly removes the yellow card for IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing; concurrently expand collaborative projects in potential areas such as climate change response, energy transition, especially through the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) framework and the EU's Global Gateway strategy.

Vietnam wishes to closely coordinate with the EU at multilateral forums and is ready to serve as a bridge to connect the EU with the region.

High Representative Josep Borrell affirmed that Vietnam is an important partner for the EU in the region, promising to expedite the early completion of EVIPA ratification, creating favorable conditions to attract European investment capital flows to Vietnam.

Regarding IUU fishing, Mr. Borrell acknowledged Vietnam's positive efforts in recent times and expressed hope that the upcoming inspection mission from the European Commission will yield positive results. The Vice President of the European Commission also announced his plan to visit Vietnam this summer.

Also at the meeting, both sides agreed to closely coordinate in addressing regional and global issues for peace, stability, cooperation, and development of the region and the world.

During the meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria Mariya Gabriel, two sides expressed satisfaction with the continued nurturing and positive development of the traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation between the two countries in all areas. They agreed to further enhance cooperation, aiming towards commemorating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries (1975-2025).

Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria Mariya Gabriel. (Photo: WVR/Kim Giang)

Minister Son affirmed that the Eastern European region plays a crucial role as a gateway and bridge for Vietnam to strengthen cooperation with the EU, where Bulgaria is considered one of the top priority partners.

Furthermore, Minister Son welcomed the Bulgarian National Assembly's ratification of the EVIPA and asked Bulgaria to support the EC's early removal of the IUU yellow card on Vietnamese seafood, as well as cooperate with Vietnam in priority areas as energy transition and green development..

Both sides agreed to coordinate well in preparing for upcoming high-level delegation exchanges, resume the sessions of the Joint Commission on Economic, Trade, Scientific, and Technical Cooperation at an early date, and explore opportunities to expand collaboration in potential areas, including cooperation in education and training, labour, agriculture, healthcare, and tourism.

From her part, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mariya Gabriel acknowledged the positive proposals put forth by Minister Son. She affirms the commitment to continue close coordination with Vietnam within regional and international cooperation mechanisms.

In a warm and friendly atmosphere with Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs Radoslaw Sikorski, two sides emphasized the importance of the longstanding friendship and multifaceted cooperation between the two countries. They exchanged various measures to further enhance a strong and substantial development of bilateral relations across all sectors.

Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son at the meeting with Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs Radoslaw Sikorski. (Photo: Kim Giang)

Minister Son proposed that Poland promptly approves the EVIPA in 2024 to contribute to boosting equitable and mutually beneficial investment relations between the EU and Vietnam; Poland's support in the EC's timely removal of the IUU yellow card for Vietnamese seafood; promote implementation of signed agreements between the two countries and the strengthening of educational and cultural cooperation.

Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski shared the views expressed by Minister Son, appreciating the positive contributions of the Vietnamese community in Poland. He commits to continuing efforts to create conditions for the Vietnamese community in Poland to live stably, permanently, and legally, contributing to strengthening the friendship between the two nations.

In discussing regional and international situations, both sides emphasized the importance of maintaining peace, stability, and respecting the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of countries, and resolving disputes and conflicts by peaceful means on the basis of international law and the United Nations Charter.

With Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs José Manuel Albares Bueno, both sides highlight the significance of the Vietnam-Spain Strategic Partnership. They agree to promote trade and investment cooperation, effectively implement the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), and expand collaboration in potential areas, including infrastructure development, digital transformation, education, and training.

FM Bui Thanh Son meets EU High Representative Josep Borrell, European Ministers in Brussels: Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son and Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs José Manuel Albares Bueno. (Photo: Viet Ha)

Minister Son proposed both sides enhance delegation exchanges at all levels, especially at the high level, across all channels, and continue to effectively implement bilateral cooperation mechanisms. He expressed appreciation to Spain for approving the EVIPA, requesting Spain's assistance in urging the European Commission to promptly remove the IUU yellow card concerning Vietnam's seafood.

Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares Bueno acknowledges the positive proposals of Minister Son and expresses a desire to visit Vietnam later this year to promote economic and trade cooperation between the two countries; suggesting both countries explore the possibility of collaboration in building high-speed railways.

During the meeting with Minister Son, Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis expresses admiration for Vietnam's economic development achievements. He also shares his pride in the strong resilience of the Greek economy.

With a growth rate of 3%, Greece leads European economies this year. Both Ministers appreciate the positive developments in the bilateral relationship and agree on the need to continue implementing measures to further promote bilateral relations in the coming time, especially in the economic and trade sectors.

Minister Son expressed appreciation for Greece's ratification of the EVIPA and his hope that Greece will encourage the remaining member states to promptly approve this agreement. He also proposed both sides strengthen the signing of agreements on maritime transport, labour, and avoid double taxation, expanding cooperation into new areas, including digital transformation and green growth.

Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son and Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis. (Photo: Kim Giang)

The Ministers also discuss international and regional issues of mutual concern, affirming their commitment to close coordination in promoting multilateralism, supporting the respect for international law and the United Nations Charter; pledging to contribute to maintaining peace, stability, security, safety of maritime navigation and overflight; resolve disputes by peaceful means, on the basis of international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982)

In the meeting with Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen, both sides highly appreciate the development of pobilateral relations, especially the high-level delegation exchanges and the organization of activities commemorating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries (1973-2023).

Minister Son emphasized Vietnam's attachment for the traditional friendship with Finland, expressing confidence that Finland's ratification of the EVIPA and the implementation of the EVFTA will open up new opportunities for cooperation between the two countries, particularly in agriculture, high technology, renewable energy, and green growth.

Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son and Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen. (Photo: Kim Giang)

The Minister proposes that Finland support Vietnam in resolving the IUU yellow card issue and developing sustainable fisheries. Minister Elina Valtonen acknowledges the positive proposals of Minister Son, highlighting high technology as a potential area for cooperation between the two countries. She hopes for Vietnam's support in enhancing Finland's relations with ASEAN, including supporting Finland's participation in the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC).

On regional and international issues, both sides agree to actively contribute to maintaining peace and stability, upholding the principles of international law and the United Nations Charter, respecting the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of nations, as well as resolving disputes through peaceful means.

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