Hanoi (VNA) – Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung on March 6 held phone talks with Kaja Kallas, Vice-President of the European Commission and the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, to discuss Vietnam – EU relations and regional and international issues of mutual concern.
Kallas congratulated Trung on his appointment to the new position and the important responsibilities entrusted to him by the Party and the State of Vietnam.
Expressing her delight at the recent upgrade of Vietnam – EU ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during European Council President Antonio Costa’s visit to Vietnam, she spoke highly of the prospects for cooperation between the EU and Vietnam.
She noted that the two sides have many opportunities to further expand collaboration in the coming period, particularly in maritime security and the protection of critical maritime infrastructure.
The EU official also expressed her hope to meet Trung on the sidelines of the upcoming ASEAN – EU Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, expected to take place in Brunei, to continue discussions on issues of shared interest.
For his part, Trung thanked Kallas for her significant contributions to the Vietnam – EU relations in recent years.
Informing Kallas about the outcomes of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the country’s major development goals toward 2030 and 2045, he affirmed that Vietnam always attaches importance to the relations with the EU and its member states.
The minister was pleased to see that bilateral ties have grown stronger in recent years, with political trust steadily building and economic, trade, and investment cooperation continues to drive the relationship forward. The EU – Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) has generated positive results, making Vietnam the EU’s biggest trading partner in ASEAN and the EU Vietnam’s fourth-largest overall. Meanwhile, collaboration in science, technology, and innovation is emerging as a strategic pillar in the partnership.
He suggested that the two sides enhance mutual understanding and political trust, expand trade and investment ties and promote cooperation in science and technology.
During the talks, both sides agreed to maintain regular exchanges and close coordination to effectively implement the Vietnam – EU Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, while strengthening cooperation between the EU and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the coming time.
Regarding the East Sea issue, they underscored the importance of complying with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and maintaining peace and stability in the region and the world./.
