European Council President Antonio Costa's visit takes place on 28-29/1, at the invitation of President Luong Cuong.

Welcoming the delegation at Noi Bai International Airport were Nguyen Dac Vinh, Chairman of the National Assembly's Committee for Culture and Social Affairs; Nguyen Manh Cuong, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs; Nguyen Van Thao, Ambassador and Head of Vietnam's Mission to the European Union (EU); and Julien Guerrier, EU Ambassador to Vietnam.

Nguyen Dac Vinh, Chairman of the National Assembly's Committee for Culture and Social Affairs, welcomed European Council President Antonio Costa at Noi Bai Airport on 28/1. *Photo: TTXVN*

During a press briefing on 26/1, Ambassador Guerrier stated that Mr. Costa's visit holds significant importance. It sends a clear message that the EU wishes to enhance cooperation with partners, including Vietnam, thereby contributing to the development of rule-based multilateral relations.

Ambassador Guerrier noted that over the past 35 years, EU-Vietnam relations have developed into one of the strongest and most comprehensive relationships. This is evident across various aspects, spanning many fields from economy, trade, investment, and sustainable development to defense and security, diplomacy, and people-to-people ties.

Mr. Guerrier believes that "it is time for the EU and Vietnam to elevate their relationship to a new level."

The European Council is the EU's highest political guiding body. Mr. Costa, 64, served as Portugal's prime minister from 2015-2024. He has held the position of European Council President since 12/2024.

Vietnam and the EU established diplomatic relations on 28/11/1990. Bilateral trade turnover in the first 11 months of 2025 exceeded 66,8 billion USD, a 6,6% increase compared to the same period in 2024. The EU is Vietnam's 4th largest trading partner, 3rd largest export market, and 5th largest import market. Vietnam is the EU's 16th largest trading partner globally and the largest in ASEAN.

Total EU foreign direct investment (FDI) in Vietnam reached 30 billion USD. The EU ranks 6th among 140 countries and territories investing in Vietnam. Vietnam has 98 investment projects in the EU, totaling 434,88 million USD.

In development cooperation, the EU is a major aid provider to Vietnam. The EU also prioritizes cooperation with Vietnam in green, sustainable development and climate change response, currently implementing several projects in Vietnam under the Global Gateway Initiative.

Cooperation in science, technology, and innovation is a new pillar of collaboration between Vietnam and many EU member states. The Ministry of Science and Technology is currently the focal point for the Horizon Europe Program during the 2022-2027 period.

Pham Giang - Ngoc Anh