Vietnam's shrimp export to EU sharply increased after EVFTA went into effect. (Photo: VGP)
In particular, cooperation between the EU and Vietnam has greatly developed in many important areas from politics-diplomacy, trade, environment, energy, science and technology, and good governance to defense and security.
The 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Vietnam-EU relationship took place in the unprecedented context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The EU and Vietnam agree to further strengthen their partnerships both bilaterally and on multilateral forums, in order to promote peace and prosperity through sustainable restoration.
Vietnam and the EU welcomed the heightening of ASEAN - EU relations to a strategic partnership during Vietnam's term as the ASEAN President at the Foreign Ministers Meeting on December 1. This will provide an opportunity for both sides to strengthen their commitment to support effective multilateralism and a rules-based international order, and will also serve as a basis for regular high-level exchanges.
The EU also highly appreciated the opportunity to be invited by Vietnam as ASEAN President to attend the guest program and the 10th anniversary of the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting Plus (ADMM +) held on December 9 - 10.
The Joint Committee discussed next steps in the implementation of agreements aimed at strengthening Vietnam-EU relations, especially PCA, the Framework Participation Agreement with EU (FPA) activities, the EU – Vietnam Free Trade Agreement.
The Joint Committee also discussed necessary measures to prevent and control Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities in Vietnam. The EU highly appreciated Vietnam's efforts to implement the recommendations of the European Commission on IUU, and Vietnam hopes the EU will soon remove the yellow card warning. The EU emphasized its readiness to continue to cooperate with Vietnam on this issue within the framework of bilateral dialogue on IUU, and exchange about the focus areas of the Development Cooperation Program for the period 2014-2020, namely sustainable energy and governance, and the rule of law.
After the successful online meeting, the next session of the Joint Committee is expected to take place in Hanoi in 2021./.