On the afternoon of April 25, General Secretary To Lam received Julien Guerrier, Ambassador of the European Union to Vietnam.

Mr. To Lam praised Ambassador Guerrier and the EU Delegation in Vietnam for their commitment and contributions to advancing Vietnam-EU relations. He expressed confidence that with continued efforts from both sides, bilateral ties will grow stronger, more substantive, and move to a higher level.

The EU is one of Vietnam's most important foreign policy partners. Since diplomatic ties were established in 1990, Vietnam-EU relations have grown dynamically and comprehensively.

The two sides are currently implementing four cooperation agreements and eight dialogue mechanisms across politics, diplomacy, trade, investment, defense, and security.

Five years into implementation, these agreements have created new momentum for bilateral trade. Vietnam has become the EU’s largest trading partner in ASEAN, while the EU is Vietnam’s fourth-largest trading partner and sixth-largest investor. In 2024, bilateral trade reached nearly USD 70 billion, with EU investment in Vietnam surpassing USD 30 billion.

Ambassador Guerrier affirmed that Vietnam is a trusted and priority partner for the EU in the Asia-Pacific, noting the country’s growing role and position, especially as it enters a new era.

Discussing measures to boost Vietnam-EU relations, To Lam emphasized that 2025 holds special significance, marking 35 years of cooperation and development.

“Now more than ever, both sides should deepen cooperation, enhance political trust, and reach consensus on a clear roadmap to upgrade relations in a substantive, balanced, and mutually beneficial way,” he said.

The Party chief welcomed the EU’s interest in cooperating with Vietnam in areas such as green and digital transformation, sustainable development, science and technology, innovation, renewable energy, sustainable transportation infrastructure, defense industry, human resource development, and legal reform.

He also called for both sides to work together to address trade issues under the EVFTA framework and agreed on the need to enhance the effectiveness of EU development aid to Vietnam. He affirmed that Vietnam remains committed to sustainable development and that all Party and State policies are designed to serve the people.

On regional and global matters, To Lam reaffirmed that Vietnam is a peace-loving nation and a responsible member of the international community in resolving regional and global issues.

Echoing the General Secretary’s views, Ambassador Guerrier expressed the EU’s desire to support Vietnam in achieving its goal of becoming a developed country by 2045 and reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.

He also expressed the EU’s interest in expanding cooperation with Vietnam in infrastructure, transportation, renewable energy, aerospace, telecommunications, and green transition. He emphasized that the EU and Vietnam share mutual interests in maintaining an uninterrupted global trade system and supply chain to ensure stable and prosperous growth.

Vietnam supports Philippines’ ASEAN 2026 chairmanship

Later the same day, General Secretary To Lam also received Philippine Ambassador to Vietnam Meynardo Los Banos Montealegre.

To Lam noted that 2025 marks the 10th anniversary of the Vietnam-Philippines Strategic Partnership. He affirmed that Vietnam values and seeks to deepen this partnership toward a more comprehensive and profound level.

He asked the ambassador to help promote stronger political and diplomatic ties, boost economic connectivity, and strive to raise bilateral trade to USD 10 billion. He also emphasized the need to expand cooperation in security and defense, maritime affairs, culture, sports, tourism, education, climate change response, and natural disaster mitigation.

Vietnam will actively support the Philippines as it assumes the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026, and will coordinate closely with the Philippines and other ASEAN members to strengthen intra-bloc solidarity and uphold ASEAN’s central role.

Ambassador Montealegre reported on key achievements in bilateral cooperation, particularly following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s visit to Vietnam in January 2024.

The Philippine Embassy will coordinate with relevant Vietnamese agencies to organize meaningful activities commemorating the 10th anniversary of the strategic partnership in 2025 and the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2026.

Tran Thuong