Hanoi: The fourth meeting of the Vietnam-EU Joint Committee under the EU-Vietnam Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) was recently held in Brussels, Belgium, marking a significant step in strengthening the multifaceted relationship between the two entities.
According to Vietnam News Agency, the discussions covered a wide array of topics, including political issues, security and defense cooperation, trade and investment, sustainable development, official development assistance, fisheries, climate change, sustainable energy transition, and issues related to good governance, the rule of law, and human rights. The European Union introduced its new European Chips Act and the European Critical Raw Materials Act, emphasizing the need for diversified and secure supply chains.
Both sides reviewed the progress of their discussions held in Hanoi earlier in the year and agreed to further build upon these during the next sessions scheduled for 2024. They also assessed their cooperation and trade relations under their Free Trade Agreement, committing to enhance sustainable and inclusive prosperity and address outstanding regulatory issues for the full implementation of the agreement.
The upcoming visit of Valdis Dombrovskis, Executive Vice President of the European Commission, to Vietnam and the third Trade Committee meeting in Brussels were noted as key opportunities for intensifying cooperation.
The EU lauded Vietnam’s commitment to achieving climate neutrality by 2050 and reviewed the progress of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), which aims to support Vietnam’s low-emission and climate-resilient development. The JETP focuses on decarbonizing Vietnam's electricity system, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and contributing to the global climate change agenda. Both sides emphasized the importance of launching the JETP’s Resource Mobilisation Plan soon and ensuring inclusive consultation for a just and equitable transition.
Vietnam was invited to the third Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum in Brussels on February 2, 2024. The forum is expected to provide a platform for addressing global issues and the challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
Discussions also included recent security developments and the need for peaceful solutions respecting international law and the UN Charter. The EU and Vietnam shared their positions on Ukraine, the Middle East, Myanmar, and the EU-ASEAN partnership. Concerning the East Sea, both sides stressed the importance of peace, stability, security, and adherence to international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The potential for enhanced security cooperation, including maritime security and cybersecurity, was discussed. The EU expressed gratitude for Vietnam’s contribution to the EU Training Mission in the Central African Republic.
Discussions on sustainable development included the Global Gateway initiative, sustainable fisheries, and upcoming international negotiations on environment and biodiversity. Both sides aimed to build synergies for sustainable global development.
The EU and Vietnam reaffirmed their commitment to international law, good governance, the rule of law, fundamental rights, and engaging relevant partners, which are vital components of their relationship.
The EU delegation, led by Paola Pampaloni, Acting Managing Director for Asia and Pacific in the European External Action Service, and the Vietnamese delegation, headed by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang, were joined by the European Commission, EU member states, and representatives from Vietnamese government agencies.