Vietnamese FM Meets EU, Norwegian Counterparts, Boosting Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

On July 23, 2024, Politburo member and Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung held meetings with Kaja Kallas, Vice-President of the European Commission and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and Espen Barth Eide, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway, on the sidelines of the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting and related meetings. Discussions confirmed the elevation of relations between Vietnam and the European Union (EU) to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, emphasizing that cooperation between the two sides has entered a new phase. In particular, strengthening cooperation in the legal and judicial fields is expected to further deepen ties between the two regions. This upgrade of the partnership is seen as part of Vietnam's strategy to enhance its geopolitical importance in Southeast Asia and strengthen its economic and political ties with Europe. Under its one-party system, Vietnam prioritizes economic growth and seeks to attract investment and technology necessary for its development through strengthened international relations. Deepening ties with the EU could further advance Vietnam's market economy and promote its alignment with international standards. Furthermore, for Vietnam, which has a complex relationship with China, cooperation with European countries holds significant meaning in balancing its diplomacy. During the meeting with Norway, opinions were exchanged on the development of bilateral relations. Although Norway is not an EU member, Vietnam values broad cooperation with European countries, and strengthening ties with Norway is positioned as part of this broader engagement. These meetings reaffirm Vietnam's stance in enhancing its presence on the international stage and pursuing multifaceted diplomacy, which is expected to influence Vietnam's future foreign and economic policies. Source: Nhan Dan