European Council President engages in phone conversations with party leader

Rewritten Article

April Showers of Warm Wishes

HÀ NỘI – European Council President Antonio Costa extended congratulations to Vietnam on the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and national reunification (April 30, 1975-2025) during a phone chat with Party General Secretary Tâ Lâm on the special date.

Costa emphasized that this momentous event holds great significance not just for Vietnam but for the global consciousness as well.

In response, Lâm extended heartfelt appreciation to the European Union (EU) and Costa himself for their heartwarming wishes on this occasion.

Lâm emphasized the significance of the 1975 victory, stating it marked a new chapter in Vietnam's history—one dedicated to building a peaceful, unified, independent, democratic, and prosperous nation.

Lâm explained that the triumph was a result of the great national unity, the Vietnamese people's thirst for peace, independence, freedom, and national reunification, as well as a stunning reflection of the power of shared aspirations and international support for peace and national independence.

Vietnam greatly values and cherishes the invaluable support of the international community, including EU member states, Lâm noted.

During the conversation, Lâm praised Costa for his attention and support for Vietnam-EU relations and expressed satisfaction with the dynamic and comprehensive development of bilateral relations in areas like politics, trade, defense, green transition, science, technology, and innovation. He declared that both Vietnam and the EU, as well as their relationship, are entering a new stage of development.

Lâm emphasized that in the face of tough world trade challenges, Vietnam advocates for multilateralization, diversification, and equal, mutually beneficial cooperation with all partners, including the EU and its member states, in order to achieve sustainable and harmonious trade cooperation that benefits all parties and promotes common development goals.

Lâm suggested that both sides actively discuss and coordinate to overcome obstacles and strengthen economic cooperation in the future. Costa responded by affirming the two sides are reliable and stable partners and that the bilateral relationship is flourishing.

Costa remarked with delight that the relationship between the two sides is growing rapidly and strongly in multiple areas, affirming that Vietnam holds a strategic position in Southeast Asia, and that the Vietnam-EU relationship is ripe for elevation to a higher level.

Costa expressed pride in the fact that Vietnam is part of the EU's network of free trade agreements, and that he hopes the Vietnam-EU relationship will serve as a model for EU cooperation with other countries.

Costa highlighted that in the context of complex geopolitics and economic developments, the EU wishes to strengthen cooperation with Vietnam to promote free trade and work together to address global challenges such as climate change.

Costa stated that the EU should intensify collaboration in areas like transport, infrastructure connectivity, green transition, digital transformation, and innovation.

Costa pledged to effectively promote the priorities in bilateral relations as outlined by Tâ Lâm, which include increased high-level exchanges, effective implementation of cooperation mechanisms, and the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), as well as initiating new cooperation initiatives.

Efforts will also be made to urge the remaining EU member states to promptly ratify the EVIPA, support Vietnam's implementation of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) to achieve its net-zero emission target by 2050, and urge the European Commission (EC) to consider lifting the "yellow card" imposed on Vietnam's seafood.

Regarding the international and regional situation, Lâm emphasized Vietnam's welcoming stance towards the EU and its member countries implementing cooperation initiatives with the Indo-Pacific region with a balanced approach and a range of suitable cooperation priorities for countries in the region, including Vietnam.

The two leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation at multilateral forums, contributing to the establishment of peace, stability, and security in the world, resolving disputes in the East Sea through peaceful means, and in line with international law, particularly the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982), ensuring peace, stability, and freedom of navigation and overflight in the region.

The President of the European Council agreed with Lâm's sentiment that Vietnam is a peace-loving nation, ready to act as a bridge for peace, reconciliation, and actively participate in solving regional and global issues.

Party General Secretary Tâ Lâm. VNA/VNS Photo

On this occasion, Lâm congratulated the EU and Costa on Europe Day (May 9). He respectfully invited Costa to visit Vietnam at a suitable time, and the latter accepted the invitation with pleasure. VNS

European Council President Antonio Costa congratulated Vietnam on the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and national reunification (April 30, 1975-2025).
Party General Secretary Tâ Lâm expressed gratitude to the European Union (EU) and Costa for their warm wishes on Vietnam's special occasion.
Lâm emphasized that the 1975 victory marked a new chapter in Vietnam's history, focusing on building a peaceful, unified, independent, democratic, and prosperous nation.
Lâm highlighted that the triumph was a result of the great national unity, the Vietnamese people's thirst for peace, independence, freedom, and national reunification, as well as a reflection of international support for peace and national independence.
Vietnam greatly values the invaluable support of the international community, including EU member states, noted Lâm.
Lâm praised Costa for his attention and support for Vietnam-EU relations and expressed satisfaction with the dynamic and comprehensive development of bilateral relations in areas like politics, trade, defense, green transition, science, technology, and innovation.
Lâm advocates for multilateralization, diversification, and equal, mutually beneficial cooperation with all partners, including the EU and its member states, to achieve sustainable and harmonious trade cooperation.
Costa expressed pride in Vietnam being part of the EU's network of free trade agreements and sees potential for Vietnam-EU relationship elevation to a higher level.
Costa pledged to promote priorities in bilateral relations as outlined by Tâ Lâm, including increased high-level exchanges, effective implementation of cooperation mechanisms, and the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), as well as initiating new cooperation initiatives.