Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attended a summit celebrating the 45th anniversary of the relations between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the European Union (EU) in Brussels on Wednesday.

In his remarks, the PM stressed the significance of the ASEAN-EU Commemorative Summit, and stated that cooperation achievements have created a foundation and an impulse for the relationship.

He suggested both sides consistently pursue the set targets, renew their mindset, and take action to promote their strategic partnership with harmonious interests and shared risks.

Vietnam always supports EU firms, the leader said, calling on the EU to remove the ‘yellow card’ on Vietnamese fisheries and soon ratify the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agency (EVIPA).

Chinh reiterated Vietnam’s strong commitments to climate change response and green and sustainable development, calling for the EU to provide maximum support in finance and technology within the framework of the Just Energy Transition Partnership, share information and experience in green, clean technology, cooperate in innovation, digital transformation, green economy and digital economy, and collaborate with ASEAN in sub-regional and Mekong development.

The premier proposed ASEAN and the EU take peace as the purpose and respect law, the UN Charter, and common values.

He affirmed ASEAN’s stance on the East Vietnam Sea issue, urging the two sides to work together to build the maritime area into waters of peace, stability, cooperation, and sustainable development.

Chinh also noted his concern over the conflict in Ukraine, stressing the need to respect legal and legitimate rights and interests, and concern of parties, with top priorities given to ending the conflict as well as protecting essential infrastructure and life and property of civilians.

Over the past 45 years, the ASEAN-EU relationship has developed fruitfully. 

ASEAN was the third-largest trade partner of the EU outside Europe in 2021, while the EU was ASEAN’s third-biggest trade partner with two-way trade reaching US$268.9 billion. 

The EU was also the second-biggest foreign investor of ASEAN with a total capital of $26.5 billion.

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