Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam always attachesimportance to and wants to deepen its relations with the European Union (EU)in the time ahead, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son affirmed duringhis phone talks with Vice President of the European Commission (EC) and EU HighRepresentative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell on May 24.

In the talks, Borrell noted his belief that the EU-Vietnam relations will be consolidated as the EU is rolling out a range of policies andinitiatives towards the region such as the cooperation strategy withIndo-Pacific and the Global Gateway, with Vietnam among its prioritised cooperationpartners.

The two sides expressed their delight atachievements following the nearly two-year implementation of the EU-VietnamFree Trade Agreement (EVFTA) despite difficulties caused by the COVID-19pandemic. The EU remains Vietnam’s third largest export market and fifth biggest import market.

They agreed to advance the bilateral cooperation onpar with their potential and better meet interests of both sides by increasing high-level delegation exchanges, effectively carrying out the existing cooperationmechanisms, closely coordinating at multilateral forums, promoting the ASEAN-EUcooperation, expanding collaboration in energy, climate change response, greentransition, digital economy and infrastructure.

Borrell took note of Vietnam’s proposal to soonremove the “yellow card” warning on illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU)fishing for the Southeast Asian nation, and urge EU member countries to soon ratifythe EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).

Son used this occasion to thank the EU and its membercountries for their supply of vaccines and medical equipment to Vietnam in theCOVID-19 fight, thus helping to facilitate trade, tourism and economic recovery of both sides in the post-pandemic period.

The officials also exchanged views on regional andinternational issues of shared concern.

For the Ukraine issue, Son reiterated Vietnam’sconsistent policy of supporting the settlement of disputes and differences via peaceful measures in line with the UN Charter and basic principles of internationallaw; ensuring security and safety of civilians, and protectingessential civilian infrastructure; and supporting and standing ready tocontribute to humanitarian aid activities, diplomatic processes, dialogues and negotiations,as well as reconstruction and restoration in Ukraine.

Son once again invited Borrell to visit Vietnam and the latter accepted the invitation with pleasure.

The same day, Son held phone talks with Hungarian Ministerof Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó, during which the two sidesaffirmed the importance they attach to the Vietnam-Hungary comprehensivepartnership.

They also highly valued progress in the bilateralcooperation over the past time, with the regular exchange of delegations at alllevels, including high-level ones.

The ministers rejoiced at achievements in economiccooperation as two-way trade surpassed 1 billion USD in 2021, and concurred to furthermake use of their strength and potential and step up collaboration in aneffective and pragmatic manner.

Both sides will actively prepare for the 10th meeting of the Vietnam-Hungary Joint Committee for Economic Cooperation in thetime ahead.  

Son thanked Hungary for prioritising Vietnam in providing official development assistance, and spoke highly of efforts made by the two sides inpushing cooperation projects using ODA from the Hungarian government, including Can Tho Oncology Hospital.

On this occasion, Szijjártó invited Son to visit Hungary at an appropriate time./.