Hanoi (dpa) – On Thursday, Vietnam and the European Union elevated their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership, the highest diplomatic level for Vietnam, during a challenging period for global trade.
In a joint statement, both parties emphasized the significance of a partnership founded on shared interests and values of peace, security, and prosperity within a rules-based international framework adhering to international law.
While US tariffs were not specifically referenced, European Council President António Costa remarked in a press briefing following a meeting with Vietnamese President Luong Cuong that “we must stand together as dependable and predictable partners at a time when the international rules-based order is threatened from various angles.”
Cuong expressed that Vietnam views the EU as one of its key global partners and aims to continue enhancing its relationship with the EU.
He described this partnership upgrade as a “historic milestone,” which comes 35 years after the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the EU. The free trade agreement between the EU and Vietnam, signed in 2020, has led to a 40 percent rise in bilateral trade.
Vietnam ranks among the EU’s largest trading partners in Southeast Asia, while the EU is Vietnam’s fourth-largest trading partner. In the first 10 months of 2025, bilateral trade reached nearly 61 billion dollars (51 billion euros), reflecting an 8.4 percent increase compared to the previous year.
Additionally, Vietnam and the EU highlighted the necessity of strengthening cooperation in peace, defense, and security, advocating for multilateralism and adherence to international law, including the UN Charter. (29 January)
The editorial responsibility for the publication lies with dpa.
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