Vietnam pledges bridge role for deeper ASEAN-EU economic ties

At the session on the sidelines of the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM-59), Vietnamese representatives emphasized that as two major regional organizations, ASEAN and the EU share a joint responsibility to uphold peace, stability, international law, and multilateralism grounded in mutual trust.

To shape future cooperation, Vietnam suggested prioritizing regional resilience through joint energy initiatives, financial resource mobilization, and decisive action against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing to foster a sustainable maritime economy.

The country underlined the need to consider working toward a bilateral free trade agreement, expedite ratification of the ASEAN-EU Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement (CATA), and boost digital trade collaboration.

As coordinator for ASEAN-EU economic relations and Chair of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) in 2026, Vietnam affirmed its readiness to serve as a bridge connecting ASEAN-EU cooperation with the CPTPP framework.

Dealing with broader global instabilities, Vietnam urged stronger coordination in crisis management, dialogue building, and maritime security.

Co-chaired by Foreign Minister of Brunei Darussalam Abdul Mateen and High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas, the conference focused on consolidating bilateral strategic ties amid shifting global dynamics.

Kaja Kallas described ASEAN-EU ties as essential pillars of stability and resilience against external challenges, reaffirming European support for ASEAN unity and centrality. She expressed the EU's intent to broaden cooperation in maritime security, transnational crime prevention, connectivity, climate action, and energy transition, while working toward an ASEAN-EU Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and a 50th Anniversary Commemorative Summit in 2027.

Reviewing progress under the ASEAN-EU Plan of Action 2023-2027, ministers noted that 69.5% of action lines have been implemented or are underway. The EU maintains its position as ASEAN's third-largest trading partner and top source of foreign direct investment, with two-way trade estimated at US$320.19 billion in 2025 and EU FDI reaching US$31.76 billion.

Looking toward the 50th anniversary of dialogue relations (1977-2027), both sides agreed to advance ties in a more strategic, practical, and effective direction. ASEAN and the EU will soon draft a new Plan of Action, expanding cooperation in digital transformation, energy security, and maritime safety, while continuing discussions on holding a 50th Anniversary Commemorative Summit in 2027 and upgrading the current framework.

Vietnam, US to deepen Comprehensive Strategic Partnership on AMM-59 margins

VOV.VN - Politburo Member and Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio agreed to further deepen the Vietnam-US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in a substantive and effective manner during their meeting on July 23 on the sidelines of the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM-59) in Manila.

Vietnam promotes ties with Canada, New Zealand at AMM-59

Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung met separately with his Canadian and New Zealand counterparts on the sidelines of the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM-59) and related meetings in Manila, the Philippines, on July 22.