Vietnamese Deputy PM, FM meets with US, EC, UK officials in Malaysia
Son and Rubio expressed their delight that their meeting coincides with the 30th anniversary of Vietnam-US diplomatic ties (July 12). They reviewed extraordinary strides made in various areas over the past three decades, especially since the upgrade of the bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2023.
Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son (L) and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. (Photo: VNA)
Kuala Lumpur (VNA)🔴 – Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son held bilateral meetings with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Vice-President of the European Commission and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, and UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs David Lamy, on the sidelines of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting and Related Meetings in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on July 11.
Son and Rubio expressed their delight that their meeting coincides with the 30th anniversary of Vietnam-US diplomatic ties (July 12). They reviewed extraordinary strides made in various areas over the past three decades, especially since the upgrade of the bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2023.
The two officials discussed steps to further deepen the bilateral ties, including facilitating all-level visits, especially those at the high level, and fully leveraging existing cooperation mechanisms. They also committed to joint work to organise activities celebrating the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties.
Affirming that economic cooperation remains a key driver of the bilateral relationship, both sides pledged to build balanced, stable, harmonious, and sustainable economic, trade and investment ties, while addressing existing obstacles for mutual benefits.
Son called for the US’s assistance in innovation, digital transformation, hi-tech supply chains, and quality workforce training; and highly appreciated the US’s good will and coordination in Vietnam’s war aftermath settlement projects.
In reply, Rubio said the US attaches importance to its relations with Vietnam and reaffirmed the US's commitment to advancing multifaceted cooperation, joining hands in addressing existing issues and continuing to support Vietnam in settling war consequences, considering it an evidence of trust and a symbol of developing relations.
On global and regional issues of shared concern, Son suggested the US continue to play an active role in maintaining regional peace, stability, cooperation and sustainable development. Rubio reiterated the US's support for ASEAN’s centrality and cooperation within the framework of the ASEAN - US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Regarding the East Sea issue, they underscored the importance of peace, security, stability, freedom of navigation and aviation in the East Sea, the peaceful settlement of disputes in line with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
In another meeting, Son and Kallas welcomed the positive momentum in Vietnam-EU relations since their diplomatic ties were established 35 years ago, which laid a solid foundation for both sides to consider elevating the partnership to a new level. Amid evolving global complexities, they called for giving continued priority to cooperative ties, especially in trade and investment.
Son proposed the EU complete the ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) and lift the “yellow card” warning against Vietnamese seafood exports. He also encouraged European investments in Vietnam’s strategic projects in infrastructure, renewable energy, green transition, digital transformation, and environment.
Hailing Vietnam as the EU’s key partner in the region, Kallas agreed on the need to increase high-level exchanges, expand bilateral cooperation, fully leverage the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and build new pillars of cooperation in sci-tech, innovation, green transition, and digital transformation.
Turning to global and regional issues, the two sides underscored the importance of the UN Charter and international law, agreeing that all conflicts and disputes must be settled through peaceful means, consultation and dialogue.
Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son (L) and UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs David Lamy. (Photo: VNA)
At their meeting, Son and Lamy promised to jointly step up the exchange of high-level delegations, contributing to solidifying political trust and creating momentum to elevate bilateral ties to a new height.
Outlining Vietnam’s plan to develop an international financial centre in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, Son described it as a major policy of the Vietnamese Party and State to restructure the growth model and enhance economic competitiveness.
He requested the British side to share knowledge and experience in financial centre development, assist Vietnam in workforce training and attraction, and encourage British organisations and firms to join the effort.
Lamy, in response, praised the impressive growth of the bilateral relationship across various fields, especially in trade and investment. As there remains ample opportunities to boost trade and cooperation in emerging areas like clean and renewable energy, he promised to encourage British companies and experts to participate in Vietnam’s financial centre development project, considering it as a pathway to deeper bilateral ties./.
Vice President of the European Commission (EC) and High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell Fontelles met with the press in Hanoi on July 31 to talk about the outcomes of his visit and the future of Vietnam-EU relations, emphasising the commitment to further strengthening bilateral ties.
The European Union (EU) regards Vietnam as one of its leading important partners in the region, Josep Borrell Fontelles, Vice President of the European Commission (EC) and High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said at his talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son in Hanoi on July 30.
With trust and mutual respect, Vietnam and the US are writing a new chapter of long-term cooperation, for the benefit of the people of the two countries and for peace and prosperity in the region and the world.
Party General Secretary To Lam acknowledged the rapid progress of the Vietnam–RoK partnership in recent years, especially in economics, thanks to the support of both countries, their citizens, and business leaders like former Honorary Consul General of Vietnam in the RoK Park Soo Kwan.
The Government leader called for a people-centred and comprehensive approach involving the full political system, with more decentralisation and delegation of power, as long as stronger implementation capacity, enhanced inspections, perfected institutional frameworks, and targeted resource allocation.
Hugh Jeffrey, Deputy Secretary of Strategy, Policy, and Industry at the Australian Department of Defence, highly valued Vietnam's increasingly active role in peacekeeping missions and expressed confidence in the growing, practical, and deeper cooperation between the two countries.
The visit marks the Vietnamese Party General Secretary’s first state visit to the RoK in his new role. The RoK’s invitation to him as the first “state guest” under its new administration signals the high priority it places on the relationship with Vietnam and its Party chief personally.
Party General Secretary To Lam suggested both sides effectively implement existing parliamentary cooperation agreements and strengthen exchanges between the two legislatures. He laid stress on the bridge-building role of friendship parliamentarian groups in each country.
Under the draft revised rules, the NA and People’s Councils will no longer directly establish thematic supervision missions. Instead, the NA will select annual supervision themes and assign their implementation to the NA Standing Committee or specialised committees, which will then report findings for parliamentary discussion and resolution.
The Republic of Korea (RoK)’s media continued to provide extensive coverage on August 12 of the State visit to the country by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee To Lam, his spouse Ngo Phuong Ly, and a high-level Vietnamese delegation from August 10-13.
Tran Luu Quang, Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and head of its Commission for Policies and Strategies, underlined that the exchange of experience in building socio-economic development policies, refining institutions and policies, and particularly in SOE reform, is a practical and significant approach that contributes to maintaining stability and fostering development in both countries.
According to Decisions No. 1720/QD-TTg, Le Thanh Hai was removed from the title of the Chairman of the city People’s Committee and other positions he once held for violations and wrongdoings while performing his duties.
Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh has highlighted the upcoming exhibition on national achievements on the occasion of the country's 80th National Day as an unprecedented, large-scale event with diverse content, urging all stakeholders to demonstrate the highest sense of responsibility to make it commensurate with 80 years of national construction and defence.
Chien reaffirmed Vietnam’s stance on the settlement of disputes through peaceful measures in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), as well as full implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and early finalisation of a substantive, effective Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).
PM Pham Minh Chinh expressed his hope that Japanese enterprises will continue standing side by side with Vietnam on the development path, thereby benefiting the two business communities, both countries, and their peoples.
The signing of the agreement is part of the efforts to concretise the joint statement issued during the visit to Cuba by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee To Lam in September last year.
Vietnamese Party General Secretary To Lam's spouse, Ngo Phuong Ly, expressed her hope that the RoK will share its experience and work with Vietnam to foster closer collaboration in cultural industry.
Eighty years since the historic autumn of 1945, the Vietnamese nation has overcome countless challenges to gain its independence and gradually develop thanks to the revolutionary path that is both resolute and flexible under the leadership of the Party.
Party General Secretary To Lam said since Vietnam and the RoK established their diplomatic ties in 1992 and upgraded their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2022, they have enjoyed expanded collaboration, delivering tangible benefits to their peoples and businesses.
