President requested EU to lift IUU 'yellow card' and ratify EVIPA

President To Lam received Commission Vice-President, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell Fontelles at the Presidential Palace on the morning of July 30. Commission Vice-President Josep Borrell Fontelles is currently on an official visit to Vietnam from July 29 to 31 at the invitation of Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son.

During the meeting, President To Lam expressed his gratitude to Commission Vice-President Josep Borrell Fontelles for attending the State Funeral of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. His attendance at the State Funeral signifies the EU's respect for the General Secretary's significant contributions to advancing the Vietnam-EU relations over the years.

The President congratulated the EU on electing a new leadership, and expressed confidence that Commission Vice-President Josep Borrell's visit will provide significant momentum to further develop Vietnam-EU relations. The President also commended Commission Vice-President Josep Borrell's contributions to bilateral relations during his tenure as President of the European Parliament from 2004 to 2007.

The President affirmed the EU's role as a crucial partner to Vietnam, expressing satisfaction with the positive developments between both parties over the years, as evidenced by the increased exchange of delegations and high-level contacts, as well as the effective implementation of various agreements and cooperation mechanisms.

After four years of implementation, the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) has generated a new development momentum for trade and investment between the two parties, and made Vietnam the EU's largest trading partner among ASEAN countries. Notable fields of cooperation include tourism, education and training, culture and arts, and people-to-people exchanges; with significant contributions to mutual understanding, thereby promoting cooperation in other fields.

The President proposed Vietnam and the EU to continue enhancing the exchange of delegations, with an emphasis on high-level contacts. Moreover, both parties should effectively implement the Vietnam-EU Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA), the EVFTA, and other agreements and cooperation mechanisms.

The President also requested the EU to encourage its remaining member states to promptly ratify the Vietnam-EU Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA); and to lift the 'yellow card' on Vietnam's seafood exports in recognition of Vietnam's efforts and achievements in anti-IUU (illegal, unreported, and unregulated) fishing. He also proposed the EU to continue providing ODA to Vietnam and support the country in effectively implementing the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).

Furthermore, he called for enhanced cooperation in cybersecurity, maritime security, disaster prevention, crisis management, and crime prevention efforts. Regarding the EU's strategies and cooperation initiatives within the Indo-Pacific region, the President affirmed Vietnam's readiness to act as a bridge between the EU and the region, which includes the task of strengthening the ASEAN-EU Strategic Partnership.

Commission Vice-President Josep Borrell Fontelles congratulated President To Lam on his election as President by the National Assembly of Vietnam. The Commission Vice-President expressed admiration for Vietnam's achievements in the Doi Moi era. He also praised Vietnam's balanced foreign policy and its goals to become a developed, high-income country by 2045 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

Commission Vice-President Borell affirmed that the EU views Vietnam as a leading regional partner and a significant player in current and future international relations. He highlighted that the EU is actively implementing several strategies and cooperation initiatives, including projects with ASEAN and Vietnam under the EU's Global Gateway Initiative, with the aim of elevating the Vietnam-EU relations to new heights.

Regarding the national state of development, the President noted that Vietnamese citizens are the direct beneficiaries of its socio-economic achievements. He also affirmed that the government of Vietnam regards its citizens as the center and driving force for sustainable socio-economic development, with the government being of the people, by the people, and for the people. He emphasized that all citizens in Vietnam are guaranteed the right to freedom of religion and belief, or non-belief, and enjoy broad access to the Internet and social networks.

In response to President To Lam's assessments and proposals, Commission Vice-President Josep Borrell expressed confidence that under the President's leadership, Vietnam-EU relations will continue to grow both in scale and depth, for the benefits of both parties.

With regards to international and regional issues, both Vietnam and the EU agreed that nations must contribute responsibly to regional and international security, development; parties should aim to resolve conflicts peacefully based on international law and the UN Charter. Regarding issues on the East Sea, Commission Vice-President Borell emphasized the region's crucial role in international trade activities. Accordingly, Vietnam and the EU reaffirmed their support for ensuring security, safety, and freedom of navigation and overflight; peacefully resolving disputes in the East Sea in accordance with international law and the 1982 UNCLOS, thereby contributing to regional peace, stability, and prosperity.