The first meeting of the political affairs sub-committee of the Joint Committee under the EU-Vietnam Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation Framework Agreement (PCA) was held in Hanoi on February 17.
Hanoi (VNA) – The first meeting of the political affairs sub-committee ofthe Joint Committee under the EU-Vietnam Comprehensive Partnership andCooperation Framework Agreement (PCA) was held in Hanoi on February 17.
VietnameseDeputy Foreign Minister To Anh Dung and Deputy Managing Director for Asia andPacific of the European External Action Service (EEAS) Paola Pampaloni co-chairedthe event, which took place after the European Parliament ratified theEU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the EU-Vietnam InvestmentProtection Agreement (EVIPA) on February 12.
Thetwo delegation heads rejoiced at active developments of the Vietnam-EUrelations over the past three decades, with the realisation of outcomes of thefirst meeting of the Joint Committee in Hanoi last May, and expressed theirhope for deepened comprehensive cooperation.
Dungsuggested the two sides enhance all-level delegation exchanges and join handsto organise the activities celebrating the 30th anniversary of thediplomatic ties.
Healso called for the early implementation of the EVFTA and the EVIPA, andappealed to the EU to remove the “yellow card” warning on illegal, unreportedand unregulated fishing (IUU).
Thetwo sides also discussed priorities and specific measures to promotecooperation between Vietnam and the EU across spheres, along with regional andinternational issues of shared concern.
Regardingthe East Sea issue, they stressed that disputes must be handled by peacefulmeasures, in line with international law, especially the 1982 United NationsConvention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Theybacked the maintenance of security and safety of navigation and aviation, andrespect for law in the East Sea, and emphasised the Association of SoutheastAsian Nations (ASEAN)’s increasing important role in keeping regional peace andstability.
Vietnamapplauded the EU’s role in efforts to improve the efficiency of globalgovernance and regional connectivity.
Meanwhile,the EU highly valued Vietnam’s socio-economic achievements as well as itsposition in the region, hoped for further coordination to beef up ASEAN-EU andEU-Vietnam relations, and agreed to strengthen collaboration in global issues,thus contributing to peace and development in the region and the world atlarge./.
Leaders of the Vietnamese Party and State always treasure and want to further promote the comprehensive cooperative partnership with the European Union, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son told President of the European Parliament David Sassoli.
The ratification of the European Union – Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the EU – Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) by the European Parliament (EP) has reflected its high valuation of and trust on Vietnam as a comprehensive and important partner in all areas, not only in Asia but the world also.
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc described the European Parliament’s ratification of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement and EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement as a great event of the year that marks the 30th anniversary of Vietnam-EU diplomatic relations.
The European Parliament has ratified the EVFTA and the EVIPA. The ratification has opened up new horizons for more intensive, comprehensive and effective bilateral cooperation 30 years after the establishment of diplomatic ties.
The Party chief attributed the achievements in the first half to the continuous, direct, and comprehensive leadership of the Politburo and the Secretariat of the Party Central Committee, and the close and effective coordination of relevant ministries, sectors and localities.
General Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chief of the VPA’s General Staff and Deputy Minister of National Defence reaffirmed Vietnam’s unwavering gratitude for Cuba’s invaluable support during its struggle for independence and nation-building efforts, and pledged to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Cuba as it navigates current challenges.
Vietnam is a country with which Russia shares a special relationship. In the 1950s and 60s, particularly during Vietnam’s struggle for independence, the two countries forged a deep bond. While much has changed over time, the friendship and cooperation between our nations have endured, said Russian President Vladimir Putin.
For 50 years, Vietnam and New Zealand have worked together to uphold peace and prosperity for their peoples and the region. The friendship, cooperation, and mutual understanding Vietnam and New Zealand nurtured have grown from a seed into a deeply rooted, strong, and thriving tree, she stressed.
Since the Strategic Partnership was established in 2020, Vietnam and New Zealand have witnessed steady growth in the relations. Beyond the remarkable 40% increase in bilateral trade over five years, political relations and multilateral interactions, particularly within the CPTPP framework, have remained highly positive.
Known as the “four pillars for Vietnam’s ascend”, the Pobiburo's Resolutions 57, 59, 66, and 68 focus on cultivating a robust national entrepreneurial spirit, unlocking resources for innovation across society, and accelerating the development of digital economy, knowledge-based economy, green economy, and circular economy, propelling Vietnam forward rapidly and firmly on the path of modernisation and international integration.
Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang cleared up deputies' concern regarding how to spur socio-economic growth, renew traditional growth motives and establish new momentum for development.
Vietnam proposed several priorities: narrowing the digital divide, strengthening women’s leadership in the digital economy and AI governance, and mobilising sustainable financing for gender equality initiatives in line with each country’s national priorities and context. Vietnam also advocated for genuine women’s participation and leadership across all areas of public life.
Ha expressed his hope that cooperation in science and technology, agriculture, and natural resources would emerge as new focal points and engines of growth in Vietnam–China relations.
Giang said he believes that building on the solid foundation nurtured over the past half-century and the strong determination of both nations, the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will continue to grow in a more robust, comprehensive, and extensive manner, thus bringing more practical benefits to the two nations' people.
Highlighting the transformative potential of the draft law in revitalising Vietnam’s railway industry, Hoang Van Cuong, a deputy of Hanoi, expressed his support for Article 39, which empowers the Prime Minister to issue a list of railway-related goods and services to be assigned or ordered from domestic enterprises for production.
According to the Ministry of Public Security, Hoan, formerly Deputy Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, is under investigation for allegedly taking bribes in connection with a case involving the Hoang Long Construction and Manpower Supply JSC and related units.
Chairing a national conference on the organisation of the examination on June 18, the PM highlighted the historical significance of the examination, as the restructuring of provincial-level administrative units is underway and the two-tier local administration model is set to officially begin operations on July 1.
Right on the same day, the ministry issued its highest-level travel warning, urging Vietnamese citizens not to travel to Israel or Iran, and advised those already in these countries to swiftly consider evacuation or relocation plans.
From the struggles against colonialists and imperialists to the period of Doi moi (renewal) and international integration, the Vietnamese revolutionary press has always played a pioneering role on the ideological and cultural front, he said.
The Party leader's working session with the standing boards of the Party Committees of HCM City, Ba Ria – Vung Tau and Binh Duong, the VNA General Director's remarks on the occasion of the 19th OANA General Assembly, the launch of new NIC - Google initiatives aimed at bolstering AI entrepreneurship and digital literacy in Vietnam are among news highlights June 18.
Vietnam and Indonesia reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in combating terrorism as it remains a threat to peace, security, and stability across their respective nations, the broader region, and the international community.
At the meeting (Photo: VNA) 
