Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister of Vietnam Bui Thanh Son and Vice President of the European Commission (EC) and High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas reached consensus during their meeting in Brussels on October 9 on the sidelines of the second Global Gateway Forum.

Son emphasised that Vietnam highly values the EU’s global role and supports its key initiatives, including the Global Gateway Initiative. In light of growing global and regional uncertainties, he stressed that Vietnam and the EU share common interests in promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development.

He proposed intensifying high-level exchanges and deepening practical cooperation across key areas such as political and diplomatic relations, trade and investment, security and defence, science and technology, innovation, green economy, and climate change response.

EC Vice President Kallas affirmed that Vietnam is one of the EU’s most important partners in the region, noting that the two sides share many common interests and strengthen cooperation across various sectors.

On economic ties, both sides underlined the importance of economic, trade, and investment cooperation as a key pillar in the relationship. They agreed to enhance the implementation of the EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).

Deputy PM Son also called on the EU to encourage its member states to soon ratify the EU–Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), which would offer legal safeguards and encourage European investment in Vietnam’s priority sectors.

A major focus of the discussions was cooperation in the maritime economy. Vietnam requested EU support in strengthening the capacity of its fishermen and enterprises to transition to sustainable and responsible fishing practices. The Deputy PM reiterated Vietnam’s serious efforts in combating illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and expressed hope that the EU would soon lift the “yellow card” warning, thus paving the way for expanded cooperation in sustainable fisheries and marine economy.

The EU side acknowledged Vietnam’s progress in tackling IUU fishing. Kallas announced that the EC plans to send a working mission to Vietnam in November 2025 to continue assessing the situation and facilitate next steps toward removing the yellow card.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to upholding international law and the United Nations Charter, agreeing that all disputes and conflicts should be resolved peacefully through consultation and dialogue.

On this occasion, Deputy PM Son invited Vice President Kallas to visit Hanoi, and said Vietnam welcomes the EU to send high-level representatives to the UN Cybercrime Convention signing ceremony in Hanoi on October 25–26.

Vice President Kallas accepted the invitation and confirmed the EU would soon announce its delegation for the event.

Vietnam calls for adaptation and cooperation in shifting global landscape

VOV.VN - Addressing a high-level session as part of the Global Gateway Forum in Brussels on October 9, Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son called on the international community to pursue strategic adaptation and inclusive multilateralism in response to a rapidly evolving and unpredictable global environment.