On January 29 in Hanoi, Vietnam and the European Union (EU) issued a joint statement on upgrading relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the visit of Council President António Costa.
According to the joint statement, Vietnam and the EU affirmed the importance of a partnership based on common interests, sharing values of peace, security and prosperity in an international order based on international law and law.
The two sides highly appreciated the solid cooperation foundation built over the past 35 years through agreements and mechanisms such as the Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA), the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), the Framework Agreement for Participation in Crisis Management (FPA), the Fair Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), and mechanisms for political dialogue, defense - security, trade and human rights.
Based on the achievements, broad cooperation potential and belief in the future of bilateral relations, the two sides agreed to upgrade Vietnam - EU relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, in order to bring bilateral cooperation to a new height in the bilateral, regional and multilateral levels, contributing to peace, stability and common prosperity.
In terms of politics, the two sides agreed to strengthen contacts at all levels, especially at the high level; promote diplomacy and people-to-people diplomacy; promote consultations and policy coordination on strategic issues; promote the effectiveness of existing dialogue mechanisms, including the Joint Committee within the framework of the PCA, the EVFTA Trade Committee, the Defense - Security Dialogue and the Human Rights Dialogue.
The two sides also strengthened interparliamentary cooperation between the National Assembly of Vietnam and the European Parliament.
Regarding economy, trade and investment, the two sides affirmed that this is the foundational pillar of the partnership. The two sides committed to fully and effectively implementing the EVFTA; prioritizing resolving problems through open and constructive dialogue; closely coordinating at bilateral and multilateral forums.
The EU acknowledges Vietnam's efforts in modernizing the economy and attracting investment, and is ready to cooperate to support Vietnam's economic transformation process.
The two sides emphasized the implementation of commitments on trade and sustainable development, especially in the field of labor and international labor organization (ILO) standards.
Cooperation will be expanded in many fields, including essential raw materials, low-emission energy, circular economy, logistics, infrastructure, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, supply chains, agriculture, forestry and sustainable fisheries.
The two sides aim to create a transparent and predictable legal and investment environment, promote high-quality investment, technology transfer and human resource development, and promote the ratification and implementation of the Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).
Regarding peace, defense and security, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism, respect for the United Nations Charter and international law.
Defense - security cooperation will be strengthened through Defense - Security Dialogue; expanding cooperation in peacekeeping, crisis management, force training, search and rescue, fire prevention and fighting and incident response.
The two sides promote cooperation in preventing and combating terrorism and transnational crime, energy security, cyber security and maritime security.
The two sides emphasized the importance of peace and stability in the East Sea; affirmed compliance with international law, especially UNCLOS 1982; ensuring freedom of navigation, aviation and trade without hindrance; fully implementing DOC and promoting the early achievement of an effective and substantive COC.
Regarding science and technology, education and people-to-people exchanges, the two sides will expand research and innovation cooperation, participate in programs such as Horizon Europe and Erasmus+; promote vocational training, skills development in the context of green transformation and digital transformation; create favorable conditions for citizens' exchanges and travel and business connections.
Regarding sustainable development, environment and climate, the two sides committed to implementing the 2030 Agenda, responding to climate change according to UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement; promoting a fair and low-emission energy transition; cooperation in biodiversity protection, resource management, marine economic development, sustainable agriculture and fisheries; strengthening cooperation within the framework of the Global Gateway Initiative and regional programs, especially in the Mekong Subregion.
The two sides also strengthened cooperation on good governance, rule of law, human rights, digital transformation, connectivity, sustainable transportation, finance, labor, health, as well as close coordination at regional and multilateral forums, including ASEAN - EU and the United Nations.
The joint statement was adopted in Hanoi on January 29, 2026, in Vietnamese and English, the two versions have the same value.
