Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son meets Foreign counterparts in Brussels

Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Luxembourg Xavier Bettel. (Photo: WVR/Kim Giang)

On the occasion of attending the 24th EU-ASEAN Ministerial Meeting and the 3rd EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum, Belgium, Foreign Minister Son held numerous meetings with his foreign counterparts. They discussed specific issues to promote bilateral cooperation and coordination within regional and international mechanisms.

During the meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Luxembourg Xavier Bettel, both sides expressed satisfaction with the robust development of bilateral relations, particularly following the visit of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to Luxembourg in December 2022 and the establishment of a strategic partnership on green finance during Xavier Bettel's visit to Vietnam in May 2023. They agreed to instruct their respective Foreign Ministries to enhance the implementation of outcomes from these visits, promote the effective utilization of existing cooperation mechanisms, and explore opportunities to expand collaboration in mutually interesting areas.

Minister Son proposed that Luxembourg support Vietnam in developing a stable, secure, and efficient stock market. Additionally, he sought assistance in transforming Ho Chi Minh City into a new international financial center and requested Luxembourg's collaboration with Vietnam in the energy transition process.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Luxembourg acknowledged the positive proposals from Minister Son. He committed to coordinating with Vietnam to effectively implement the Strategic Partnership Agreement on Green Finance.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Luxembourg Xavier Bettel committed to coordinating with Vietnam to effectively implement the Strategic Partnership Agreement on Green Finance. (Photo: WVR/Kim Giang)

Xavier Bettel expressed his delight to visit Vietnam again soon with leaders from various ministries, economic sectors, and Luxembourg enterprises to further explore the economic and trade cooperation potential between the two countries.

Both sides also agreed to collaborate in urging the remaining European Union (EU) member states to promptly ratify the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) and remove the European Commission's "yellow card" on Vietnam's seafood exports. Additionally, they committed to enhancing cooperation in addressing climate change, educational exchanges, and tourism.

During the meeting with Portuguese Minister of Foreign Affairs João Gomes Cravinho, Minister Son affirmed that Vietnam consistently values its comprehensive partnership and cooperation with the EU, as well as with EU member countries, including Portugal.

Portuguese Foreign Minister João Gomes Cravinho expressed admiration for Vietnam's economic development and emphasized that Vietnam is a priority partner for Portugal.

Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son and Portuguese Minister of Foreign Affairs João Gomes Cravinho. (Photo: Kim Giang)

Both Ministers agreed to enhance exchanges at various levels, particularly at the high level, and promptly resume political consultation mechanisms between their Foreign Ministries. They also pledged to strengthen measures to tap into the potential for cooperation between the two countries and appreciated their mutual cooperation and support in various multilateral cooperation forums.

Minister Son proposed close coordination to maximize opportunities arising from the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA). He suggested EU and Portuguese support for Vietnam in addressing climate change, implementing ASEAN and Mekong sub-region connectivity projects, digital transformation, and further promoting economic and trade cooperation. He urged Portugal to support for the early ratification of the EVIPA within the EU.

On his part, Minister João Gomes Cravinho agreed with Minister Bui Thanh Son's proposals and expressed the mutual consensus to establish representative offices to further boost bilateral relations.

Minister João Gomes Cravinho also proposed that the Foreign Ministries of both countries closely coordinate in planning and implementing activities to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries (1975-2025).

The two Ministers also agreed to further promote ASEAN-EU cooperation in the context of the dynamic international situation, particularly in the areas of infrastructure development, enhanced connectivity, green transformation, and other mutually interesting areas.

At their bilateral meeting, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus Constantinos Kombos praised Vietnam's achievements in socio-economic development and foreign affairs. He suggested to further enhance bilateral relations based on the strengths and development needs of both sides.

At the meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus Constantinos Kombos, Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son emphasized that Vietnam is ready to serve as a bridge for relations between Cyprus and the Southeast Asian region. (Photo: Kim Giang)

Minister Son proposed close coordination and thorough preparation for high-level visits in 2024, with a particular emphasis on advancing the completion and signing of several cooperation agreements on this occasion. This would serve as a foundation for both countries to further promote cooperative relations in various fields.

Both Ministers agreed that, to realize the potential of each side, the two countries need to create conditions for businesses to effectively utilize the benefits of the EVFTA.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus also acknowledged Vietnam's positive proposal for the early approval of the EVIPA. He affirmed active cooperation in the issue of removing the "yellow card" for IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing against Vietnamese seafood, supporting Vietnam in developing sustainable fisheries.

Minister Son emphasized that Vietnam is ready to serve as a bridge for relations between Cyprus and the Southeast Asian region. He expressed the hope that Cyprus continue to support Vietnam in strengthening relations with the EU.

Both sides underscored the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security, and safety in maritime and aviation areas, including the South China Sea, and resolving disputes through peaceful means, based on international law, especially the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982.

Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son and Australian Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Tim Watts. (Photo: WVR/Kim Giang)

During the meeting with Australian Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Tim Watts, both parties emphasized the significance of the friendly relations and strategic partnership between the two countries. They appreciated the positive developments in bilateral relations in recent times.

Both sides affirmed their commitment to closely coordinate the implementation of agreements agreed upon by the high-level leadership of both countries. They agreed to enhance coordination in preparing for upcoming high-level visits, elevate bilateral relations, promote cooperation in traditional areas, and expand collaboration into new and mutually interesting fields.

Minister Son expressed appreciation for Australia's increased development assistance to Vietnam. He suggested for Australia to facilitate favorable conditions for Vietnamese agricultural products to enter the Australian market, further boost bilateral trade and investment, and support Vietnam in workforce training.

The Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia agreed with the proposals put forth by Minister Son, affirming that Australia will create every possible condition for both sides to strengthen cooperation across all areas.

Both parties also discussed various international and regional issues, including cooperation in the Mekong sub-region, collaboration within the framework of ASEAN-Australia and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). They expressed support for enhancing cooperation to contribute to the peace, stability, and development of the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions.

They also concurred on the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security, and safety in the South China Sea, resolving disputes through peaceful means based on international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982.

Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son and Australian Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Tim Watts also discussed various international and regional issues. (Photo: Kim Giang)

At the meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh Hasan Mahmud, Minister Son congratulated him on his appointment as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh and extended congratulations on the successful conduct of the recent elections in Bangladesh.

Both Ministers expressed satisfaction with the positive development of the longstanding friendly relations between the two countries, particularly following the visit of Chairman of the National Assembly Vuong Dinh Hue in September 2023. They agreed to further promote bilateral relations in the coming time, with high-level visits and enhance coordination between the two Foreign Ministries to review and expedite the implementation of agreements reached by the leaders of both countries.

At the meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh Hasan Mahmud, Minister Bui Thanh Son invited Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud to visit Vietnam. (Photo: Kim Giang)

Minister Son suggested that Bangladesh create favorable conditions for the export of Vietnamese products, especially rice, agricultural machinery, raw materials, electronics, and agri-aquatic products, to the Bangladesh market.

Acknowledging the positive proposals from Minister Son, Minister Hasan Mahmud expressed his hope to continue importing rice from Vietnam and encouraged Vietnamese businesses to invest in Bangladesh.

Both sides also agreed to continue closely coordinating and supporting each other at international organizations and multilateral forums, including supporting Bangladesh in strengthening relations with ASEAN.

On this occasion, Minister Son invited Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud to visit Vietnam at a convenient time.

In the meeting with Secretary-General of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Salman Al Farisi, both parties expressed satisfaction with the good and friendly relations between Vietnam and IORA member countries and partners.

Overview of the meeting between Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son and Secretary-General of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Salman Al Farisi. (Photo: Kim Giang)

Minister Son highly appreciated the role and position of IORA, as well as its contributions to the economic and security issues in the Indian Ocean region. He requested Secretary-General Salman Al Farisi's assistance in enhancing Vietnam's cooperation with IORA and its member countries, especially in addressing common challenges such as rising sea levels, natural disasters, maritime security, and illegal fishing.

The IORA Secretary-General praised Vietnam's development achievements and emphasized his and other IORA members' desire to learn from and exchange experiences with Vietnam, particularly in areas related to maritime cooperation.

Both sides agreed to closely collaborate to promote cooperation between IORA and ASEAN, effectively implement the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the ASEAN Secretariat and IORA in September 2023.

Secretary-General Salman Al Farisi also acknowledged the positive proposals from Minister Son regarding facilitating favorable conditions for Vietnam's representatives to participate in IORA activities. He appreciated Vietnam's willingness to exchange and share experiences with IORA in mutually interested areas.

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