The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, visited Vietnam on Tuesday 30 July and discussed with Bùi Thanh Son, Minister of Foreign Affairs, how to strengthen EU-Vietnam relations in order to “raise them to the level of a strategic and comprehensive partnership”.
Mr Borrell said he wanted to strengthen cooperation in order to increase capabilities in cyber security, maritime security and crisis management.
Mr Thanh Son expressed his appreciation of the EU’s support for his country’s socio-economic development.
The two sides also want to work towards full implementation of their bilateral free trade agreement, Vietnam being the Southeast Asian country with which the EU has the largest number of agreements.
They also discussed climate efforts, with the EU supporting Vietnam in its efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
The two partners also discussed international developments, recognising the need for the EU and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to “stand shoulder to shoulder” in tackling the current geopolitical crises (see EUROPE 13463/13).
“International law must be respected everywhere. It’s true in Ukraine, it’s true in Gaza, it’s true in the Middle East, it’s true in the South China Sea”, said Mr Borrell.
On the growing tensions in the South China Sea, the High Representative said he was encouraged by Vietnam’s diplomatic activities and that the EU wanted to be “a ‘smart catalyst’ for peace and security in the region”. (Original version in French by Pauline Denys)