The key facts

  • The EU and Vietnam agreed to develop cooperation on critical raw materials, technology, education and the green transition
  • The parties called for the full implementation of the EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement and the speedy ratification of the Investment Protection Agreement
  • The partnership was upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in January

Meeting in Brussels

The European Union and Vietnam on Thursday agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, investment and critical raw materials. The agreement was reached during the visit of Vietnamese President To Lam to Brussels, the Anadolu agency reports.

Talks and joint statement

Lam held meetings with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa. They discussed cooperation, regional security and global challenges. In a joint statement, the parties called for the 'full implementation of the EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement and the speedy ratification of the Investment Protection Agreement'. The leaders also agreed to 'work on developing cooperation on critical raw materials' and to deepen ties in technology, innovation, education, strategic infrastructure and the green transition.

Context of relations and other topics

The parties noted the momentum in relations after their upgrade to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in January, confirming plans to advance Global Gateway investments and the Fair Energy Transition Partnership. In the defense sphere, the statement noted 'the potential for cooperation in defense and security in accordance with their respective laws, priorities and policies'. Existing cooperation covers maritime security, cybersecurity, crisis management and capacity building. The leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to 'promoting and protecting human rights, including through the dedicated bilateral dialogue' and emphasized 'the importance of effective multilateralism and a rules-based international order'.