The relationship between Vietnam and the European Union (EU) is developing well in all fields of politics, economy, trade, investment, development cooperation, culture, education, science and technology. The bilateral fine relations were seen through visits, particularly the recent visit to the European Committee in October 2010 by Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung to the European Parliament in December 2011. 

During his visit to Vietnam, European Council President Herman Van Rompuy talked with State President Truong Tan Sang and met with Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung. The two sides declared themselves pleased with the rapid and positive development of Vietnam-EU relations in the areas of economy-trade, politics and development cooperation over the years. The EU is now a leading trader, investment partner and sponsor of Vietnam and Vietnam is also a major trade partner of the EU in ASEAN. The signing of Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) and the 1st round of negotiations of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) conducted in Hanoi was a specific and important step to further promote the economic and politic cooperation between Vietnam and the EU.

The two sides agreed to exchange delegations more regularly, and discussed ways of creating and encouraging more favaourable conditions for Vietnamese and EU businesses to make long-time investment in each other’s markets, particularly in the fields of industry, infrastructure, transportation, energy, finance, healthcare, tourism and service. The EU pledged to provide Vietnam with technical assistance and to step up negotiations to complete the signing of their FTA and agreed to recognize Vietnam’s market economy as soon as possible.

Vietnam asked the EU to maintain the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) for the country during the 2013-2015 period and prioritise the implementation of the Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA). The two sides agreed to closely coordinate in the near future to effectively implement ODA programmes during the 2011-2013 period and define priorities of cooperation from 2014-2020 based on the Socio-Economic Development Strategy of Vietnam during the 2011-2020 period with a focus on the fields of poverty reduction, sustainable development, environment protection and climate change adaptation.

They reached a consensus on intensifying dialogue and cooperation at regional and international forums, such as the United Nations, ASEM and those within the framework of the United Nations and the Asia-Europe Meeting. With its role as a coordinator for ASEAM-EU relations during the 2012-2015 term, Vietnam would try its best to promote this relationship. The two sides would support joint efforts to build Southeast Asia into a region of peace, stability, cooperation and friendship; stress the need to ensure maritime security, safety and freedom in the East Sea; support to solve disputes through peaceful measures on the basis of international laws; and fully implement the Declaration on the Conduct of the Parties (DOC) and reach the Code of Conduct (COC). The two sides signed a contract worth 150 million euro funded by the European Investment Bank to finance investment fighting climate change, and made a statement on the signing of the EU Multilateral Trade Assistance Project (EUMUTRAP).
 

Professor Mai Trong Nhuan, Director of Vietnam National University, Hanoi awards an honorable doctorate to European Council President Herman Van Rompuy for his contribution to the development between Vietnam and European countries. Quy Trung – VNA European Council President Herman Van Rompuy visits Ho Chi Minh City and works with the Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee. Photo: Thanh Vu – VNA European Council President Herman Van Rompuy addresses a meeting with members of the European Business Association in Vietnam. Photo: Thanh Vu - VNA

The official visit to Vietnam by European Council President Herman Van Rompuy and his wife has made a contribution to deepening the friendship relations and multifaceted cooperation between Vietnam and the EU, for peace, stability, cooperation and development in Asia, Europe and in the world.