Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son (C) during his phone call to European Commission Vice President and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas on April 15. (Photo: VGP)
The European Union is looking to deepen its ties with Vietnam by upgrading the current partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, affirming the growing importance of Vietnam as a key partner in the Asia-Pacific region.
The intention was highlighted during a phone conversation between Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son and European Commission Vice President and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas on April 15.
During the exchange, both sides praised the progress made in bilateral relations over the past 35 years of diplomatic engagement, particularly in political dialogue, trade, and investment cooperation. They agreed that the EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), now in its fifth year of implementation, has created new momentum for trade and economic growth.
Son emphasized the need for continued high-level exchanges and stronger implementation of the EVFTA. He also called on the EU to accelerate the ratification of the EU–Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), which would further enhance investment ties and support Vietnam’s priority sectors, such as infrastructure, renewable energy, green transformation, and digital innovation.
Regarding the EU’s ongoing anti-dumping investigation into Vietnamese hot-rolled steel, the Deputy PM urged the EU to ensure the final conclusions remain objective, in line with the World Trade Organisation rules.
The Deputy PM also reiterated Vietnam’s call for the EU to lift the ‘yellow card’ warning on Vietnamese seafood exports, acknowledging the country’s efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and the broader socioeconomic implications for coastal communities.
Kallas, for her part, acknowledged Vietnam’s role as a responsible member of the international community and confirmed the EU’s commitment to a rules-based, fair, and sustainable partnership. She expressed strong support for deepening cooperation across sectors and advocated for upgrading the EU–Vietnam relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in the near future.
The two leaders also exchanged views on international and regional developments. They reaffirmed both sides’ shared commitment to resolving disputes peacefully in accordance with the UN Charter and international law.
Son extended an invitation to Kallas to pay an official visit to Vietnam soon, signaling continued momentum in diplomatic engagement.
