On the morning of January 29, after the official welcoming ceremony, President Luong Cuong and President of the European Council António Costa held talks.
On behalf of the State and people of Vietnam, President Luong Cuong warmly welcomed Mr. President of the European Council António Costa and the delegation (EU) on an official visit to Vietnam.
The visit took place right after Vietnam successfully organized the 14th Party Congress, demonstrating a high level of political trust between the two sides, promoting Vietnam - EU relations to continue to develop after 35 years of establishing diplomatic relations (1990 - 2025).
President Luong Cuong expressed his appreciation for the feelings and contributions of the President personally to Vietnam - EU relations.
Vietnam always values the role and position of the EU, a partner with a leading important position in Vietnam's foreign policy, sharing the importance of promoting multilateralism and rule of law in accordance with the goals of peace, stability, and development of the region and the world.
For his part, European Council President António Costa said that Vietnam and the EU are like-minded partners, united in respecting the multilateral system, the international order based on rules, free trade and development based on those foundations.
At noon on January 29, President Luong Cuong and President of the European Council António Costa chaired a press meeting, announced the results of the talks; announced that Vietnam and the EU upgraded relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, marking an important milestone in 35 years of bilateral relations and a common commitment to peace and prosperity.
The joint statement on upgrading Vietnam - EU relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership emphasized that the two sides will continue to deepen cooperation in various fields to bring practical benefits, contributing to peace, stability, cooperation and prosperity in both regions and in the world, in accordance with existing agreements.
This includes strengthening political cooperation through contacts at all levels, especially at the high level; strengthening diplomacy and people-to-people diplomacy to implement measures to promote Vietnam-EU relations.
Along with that, strengthen economic, trade and investment relations.
Also according to the joint statement, Vietnam and the EU will strengthen peaceful cooperation, defense, and security; study the possibility of expanding cooperation in the fields of strategic research, maritime security and data protection; strengthen scientific and technological cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.
