Vietnam ready to help connect EU with Southeast Asian region

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha held separate working sessions with High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell and EU Commissioner for Climate Action Wopke Hoekstra on the sidelines of the 2023 Global Gateway Forum in Belgium on October 26.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha (L) and High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell (Photo: VNA)

Meeting with Borrell, who is also Vice President of the European Commission (EC), Ha highlighted Vietnam's commitment to enhance and deepen the framework of its partnership and comprehensive cooperation with the EU.

He proposed that both sides fully and effectively implement existing cooperation mechanisms and strengthen the pillar of trade and investment through the implementation of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA). He also urged EU member countries to early ratify the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) and the EC to remove its yellow card warning imposed on Vietnam regarding illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

At the same time, the Deputy PM called for an expansion of the sides’ cooperation in potential areas such as climate change response and energy transition, particularly within the framework of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP). Vietnam is willing to act as a bridge to help the EU connect with the Southeast Asian region, and closely coordinate with the EU in implementing the ASEAN-EU strategic partnership and addressing regional and global issues, he said.

For his part, Borrell affirmed that Vietnam is an important partner of the EU in the region. He lauded the relationship’s comprehensive development, particularly in economy and trade, with the effective EVFTA implementation resulting in a 20% increase in bilateral trade last year.

The High Representative said there is still untapped potential for bilateral cooperation, especially in the energy sector, and agreed to enhance the sides’ all-rounded collaboration for the full and efficient implementation of the EVFTA and other cooperation frameworks.

Borrell went on pledging to support Vietnam within the JETP framework focusing on just energy transition and sustainable development.

He acknowledged Vietnam's efforts in tackling IUU fishing in recent times and suggested that the country closely coordinate with the EC and fully carry out its recommendations in order to get the yellow card removed early.

Both sides underscored the importance of maintaining peace, stability, freedom, and safety of maritime navigation and overflight, and resolving disputes peacefully based on international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha and EU Commissioner for Climate Action Wopke Hoekstra at their meeting in Brussels. (Photo: VNA)

At his meeting with Commissioner Hoekstra, Ha highlighted Vietnam's determination to actively fulfill its commitments at the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26). He proposed the EU continue close coordination with Vietnam to expedite the completion of the resource mobilisation plan for the implementation of JETP.

In response, the Commissioner for Climate Action stated that the EU consistently supports Vietnam in its green transition efforts, and asked Vietnam to support the EU's initiatives at the COP28.

 Also in the framework of the forum, Deputy PM Ha had a meeting with CEO of John Cockerill Group François Michel, during which the two sides discussed the progress of the group's investment projects in Vietnam./.

VNA