Politburo member, Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung holds talks with EU Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela
WVR - On March 24, Politburo member and Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung held talks with EU Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela, who is visiting Vietnam.
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| Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung receives EU Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela. (Photo: Quang Hoa) |
Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung welcomed and highly appreciated Commissioner J. Síkela's visit to Vietnam, emphasizing that this is the first visit by an EU Commissioner to Vietnam following the upgrade of bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in January 2026. This visit demonstrates the EU's determination to concretize the newly established partnership framework.
The Foreign Minister shared significant outcomes, especially the major strategic directions set by the 14th National Congress of the Party. Emphasizing a new growth model driven by science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation, the Minister stated that Vietnam is accelerating the development of sectors such as the digital economy, green economy, and circular economy, aiming for rapid and sustainable growth. On this basis, the Minister affirmed that Vietnam regards the EU as one of its top important partners and desires to elevate cooperation to be more substantive and effective.
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| Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung welcomed the first visit by an EU Commissioner to Vietnam after the upgrade of bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. (Photo: Quang Hoa) |
To concretize the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership framework, the Foreign Minister proposed that both sides enhance delegation exchanges at all levels and strengthen coordination to effectively implement cooperation frameworks, especially the new cooperation pillars in science, technology, and innovation. The Minister suggested that both sides further exploit the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) to expand economic and trade cooperation space; urged the EU to promptly complete the ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), remove the "yellow card" on Vietnamese seafood, and remove Vietnam from the list of non-cooperative tax jurisdictions.
Commissioner J. Síkela praised Vietnam's socio-economic achievements in recent times amidst global fluctuations. Expressing admiration for Vietnam's vision and development orientation, Commissioner J. Síkela affirmed that the EU is ready to accompany Vietnam in promoting growth based on science, technology, and innovation; and is eager to participate in infrastructure, mineral, and sustainable energy development projects in Vietnam.
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| Both sides agreed to effectively promote cooperation mechanisms and enhance coordination at multilateral forums, contributing to strengthening ASEAN-EU relations. |
Recognizing the potential for cooperation between the two sides, the EU Commissioner agreed with Minister Le Hoai Trung's proposals, stating that he will closely coordinate with relevant Vietnamese agencies to effectively implement new cooperation pillars within the Global Gateway framework; increase mobilization of financial resources, especially green finance, while promoting technology transfer and technical support to help Vietnam realize its long-term development goals; and effectively implement the EVFTA, laying an important foundation for robust, balanced, and sustainable bilateral trade and investment growth in the future.
Both sides agreed to continue strengthening coordination and mutual support at multilateral forums, promoting multilateralism, respecting international law, free trade, and sustainable development. Emphasizing ASEAN's central role, both sides affirmed continued close coordination, enhancing Vietnam's positive and effective bridging role, and further deepening ASEAN-EU relations, thereby making practical contributions to peace, stability, cooperation, and prosperity in the region and the world.
