Party chief hosts European Council President

Party General Secretary To Lam hosted a reception for President of the European Council (EC) António Costa in Hanoi on January 29.

  • Foreign leaders extend congratulations to Party General Secretary To Lam
  • 14th Party Central Committee unanimously elects To Lam as General Secretary

At the meeting, General Secretary Lam said he was pleased to hold another cordial exchange with the EC President following their phone talks on April 30, 2025, when Vietnam marked the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification.

He stressed that the EC President’s official visit to Vietnam, coming shortly after the successful organisation of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, and coinciding with the elevation of Vietnam–EU ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, carries particular significance, reflecting the depth of the relationship and the strategic vision of the relations in a new phase of development.

Party chief hosts European Council President -0
Party General Secretary To Lam (right) and President of the European Council (EC) António Costa. Photo: VNA

The Party chief briefed the guest on key outcomes of the 14th National Party Congress, stressing that it set goals for nation-building and development in a new phase, not only for the 14th term but beyond.

He highlighted Vietnam’s twin centennial goals - becoming a developing country with modern industry and upper-middle income by 2030, and a developed, high-income country by 2045. Annual growth is targeted at 10% or higher during the 2026–2030 period.

Vietnam will continue to renew its development thinking with a focus on depth, build an independent and self-reliant economy alongside intensive and extensive international integration, ensure social welfare, and improve the quality of education and health care, General Secretary Lam told the EC President.

At the same time, Vietnam will work to safeguard independence, sovereignty and stability as a foundation for development, he said, stressing foreign affairs remain a key and permanent task, pursued through a consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, resilience, diversification and multilateralisation, equal and mutually beneficial cooperation, and respect for international law and the United Nations Charter.

On Vietnam–EU relations, the Party chief affirmed that Vietnam attaches great importance to the EU and to its ties with the bloc, highlighting the fact that Vietnam is the first ASEAN country to establish a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the EU - the highest framework for bilateral cooperation.

This is a historic moment in bilateral relations, reflecting strong political trust and a high level of determination on both sides, he stressed.

The leader stressed that in a new phase marked by intertwined challenges and opportunities, Vietnam and the EU need to step up exchanges and dialogue to further strengthen political trust and translate the orientations of the newly established partnership framework into concrete action.

In that spirit, he called for stronger cooperation in politics-foreign affairs, economy, and security-defence, as well as collaboration within multilateral frameworks, maritime cooperation, and collaboration in science, technology and innovation. He also urged the EU to support Vietnam in developing fisheries sustainably, with a view to have the “yellow card” warning lifted.

For his part, EC President Costa said he was pleased to pay an official visit to Vietnam shortly after the 14th National Party Congress, and on behalf of the EU warmly congratulated General Secretary Lam on his re-election.

The EC President stressed that Vietnam’s achievements have not only enhanced its standing but also had a positive impact on the region.

With bilateral ties upgraded, he said the EU is keen to deepen cooperation with Vietnam in promoting free trade, diversifying supply chains, advancing green transition, marine economy, transport infrastructure, security and defence, freedom of navigation, and addressing global challenges, for peace and cooperation in each region and the world at large.

Agreeing with General Secretary Lam’s proposals for bilateral ties, the EC President said the EU will work closely with Vietnam to build and implement a substantive and effective roadmap for the EU–Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This includes stepping up high-level exchanges and contacts, strengthening coordination at multilateral forums, effectively implementing the EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), and promoting cooperation in security-defence, science-technology, and innovation, particularly in training high-quality human resources in technology-related fields.

For international and regional issues, the two leaders agreed to continue coordination to foster respect for international law, multilateralism and the peaceful settlement of disputes in line with the UN Charter, while advancing global cooperation and shared international agendas to address non-traditional challenges.

On this occasion, EC President Costa invited General Secretary Lam to visit the EU. The Party chief accepted the invitation with pleasure.

VNA

Other News

NA Chairman pays tribute to fallen heroes in Ho Chi Minh City

NA Chairman pays tribute to fallen heroes in Ho Chi Minh City

Chairman of the National Assembly (NA) Tran Thanh Man on July 26 offered flowers and incense in tribute to fallen heroes at memorial sites in Ho Chi Minh City, on the occasion of the 79th anniversary of War Invalids and Martyrs' Day (July 27, 1947–2026).

Key Party, State leaders attend live television programme honouring fallen heroes

Key Party, State leaders attend live television programme honouring fallen heroes

Jointly organised by Vietnam Television (VTV) and the People's Committees of Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Tuyen Quang and Quang Tri provinces, the programme paid tribute to heroic martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the nation while honouring the forces engaged in the search, recovery and identification of fallen soldiers' remains.

Vietnam strictly prohibits all forms of forced labour: Foreign Ministry

Vietnam strictly prohibits all forms of forced labour: Foreign Ministry

Vietnam will continue working with the US in a constructive and cooperative spirit, while urging the US side to fully take into account the measures Vietnam has adopted when adjusting tariffs on Vietnamese goods, consistent with the actual situation and Vietnam's ongoing legislative and enforcement push.

Vietnam leaves lasting imprint at AMM-59: Deputy FM

Vietnam leaves lasting imprint at AMM-59: Deputy FM

The Vietnamese delegation led by Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung embodied the foreign policy line of the 14th National Party Congress by acting proactively, responsibly and with leadership inside ASEAN.

Vietnam urges relevant parties to fully implement DOC in East Sea

Vietnam urges relevant parties to fully implement DOC in East Sea

PSNews - Vietnam has called on parties concerned to exercise restraint, act in accordance with international law, and fully implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), Spokeswoman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang said at the ministry’s regular press briefing on July 23.

Vietnam, US pledge to deepen Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

Vietnam, US pledge to deepen Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

At the meeting, Trung welcomed Rubio's participation and active contributions to the ASEAN meetings, saying they reflected the US' commitment to maintaining engagement in the region, supporting ASEAN centrality, and contributing to peace, stability and prosperity in Southeast Asia.

AMM-59: Vietnam proposes substantive, sustainable ASEAN-EU ties

AMM-59: Vietnam proposes substantive, sustainable ASEAN-EU ties

Looking ahead, Vietnam proposed the two sides prioritise stronger regional resilience by scaling up energy cooperation, pooling financial resources and cracking down on illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, all aimed at building a resilient and sustainable blue economy.

ASEAN Regional Forum adopts Manila Plan of Action for 2026–2036

ASEAN Regional Forum adopts Manila Plan of Action for 2026–2036

Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung affirmed that ASEAN would continue working with China to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and to conclude at an early date a substantive and effective Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) that is consistent with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Caring for revolution contributors reflects Vietnam's deep humanitarian value: PM

Caring for revolution contributors reflects Vietnam's deep humanitarian value: PM

The PM urged all-level authorities, sectors, localities, and the public to fully implement relevant Party resolutions and directives as well as preferential policies for revolution contributors, push ahead with the 500-day campaign, expand gratitude movements, accelerate housing support for children of Agent Orange/dioxin victims and strengthen patriotic education.

Press release on fourth working day of 14th Party Central Committee's third plenum

Press release on fourth working day of 14th Party Central Committee's third plenum

The Party Central Committee on July 23 discussed a proposal to transfer responsibility for giving advice on mass mobilisation work from the Party Central Committee's Commission for Information, Education and Mass Mobilisation to the Party Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front and central mass organisations, as well as a proposal to rename the Commission for Information, Education and Mass Mobilisation as the Commission for Information and Education.

Vietnam proposes three priorities to advance Mekong–RoK cooperation

Vietnam proposes three priorities to advance Mekong–RoK cooperation

In its capacity as co-chair in 2025, Vietnam worked closely with the RoK and the Mekong countries to maintain high-level exchanges, enhance the effectiveness of the Mekong–RoK Business Forum, organise the Mekong–RoK Forum for the first time to share project outcomes and implementation experience, and promote innovative solutions in water resource management through the third Mekong–RoK Water Forum.

Vietnam reaffirms support for UNRWA, readiness to assist Gaza recovery efforts

Vietnam reaffirms support for UNRWA, readiness to assist Gaza recovery efforts

During a meeting with the UNRWA official in Manila, the Philippines on July 22, Deputy Foreign Minister Dang Hoang Giang affirmed Vietnam’s consistent support for UNRWA’s role and operations, praising its efforts to maintain humanitarian, educational and healthcare assistance for Palestinians amid the complex situation.

Vietnam attends ASEAN foreign ministers' meetings with partners

Vietnam attends ASEAN foreign ministers' meetings with partners

The Vietnamese delegation proposed making energy security and transition a pillar of ASEAN-Canada relations, and urged Canada to support the implementation of the ASEAN Power Grid and expand cooperation in renewable energy, hydrogen, energy storage and nuclear power for civilian purposes.