Mr. Costa signs the guest book at Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam.

European Council President Antonio Costa visited Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam on 29/1 during his official visit to Vietnam. The visit, extended at the invitation of President Luong Cuong, underscored deepening ties between the EU and Vietnam, culminating in the upgrade of their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Costa, 64, served as Prime Minister of Portugal from 2015-2024 and assumed the role of President of the European Council, the EU's highest political body, in 12/2024.

Metro Line 3 has received substantial financial support from France, including over 500 million EUR (more than 597 million USD) in preferential capital from the French Treasury and the French Development Agency. The project also secured major funding from the Asian Development Bank and EIB Global, the global arm of the European Investment Bank.

Mr. Costa reviews documents introducing Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam.

Established in 1070 by King Ly Thanh Tong to honor Confucius and scholars, Van Mieu became Vietnam's first national university, Quoc Tu Giam, founded by King Ly Nhan Tong in 1076.

The European Council President learns about the doctoral stelae at Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam.

In 1484, King Le Thanh Tong decreed the erection of doctoral stelae to honor laureates. UNESCO recognizes 82 of these doctoral stelae as world documentary heritage.

The European Council President receives a souvenir during his visit.

President Costa held talks with President Luong Cuong today. The leaders then announced the elevation of Vietnam-EU relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

President Costa affirmed the EU considers Vietnam an important partner in the ASEAN region and within its Indo-Pacific Strategy. He noted Vietnam is a partner sharing common ground with the EU on respecting international law, free trade, and freedom of navigation.

Earlier on the same day, the European Council President visited the Hanoi Metro Line 3 project.

The Hanoi urban railway line 3, connecting Nhon station to Hanoi station, is a key infrastructure initiative for the city. It aims to alleviate traffic congestion, enhance public transportation, and improve urban environmental quality.

The EU seeks to strengthen cooperation with Vietnam in traditional areas such as: trade, investment, agriculture, sustainable development, and climate change.

Additionally, the bloc aims to expand collaboration into new sectors including green transition, digital transformation, just energy transition, infrastructure, and transport connectivity. This expanded cooperation is intended to reflect the enhanced relationship and serve as a model for EU engagement with a Southeast Asian nation.

Mr. Costa speaks at the Metro Line 3 project.

Infrastructure development, encompassing urban metro lines, green transport, railways, seaports, airports, and high-speed rail, is an area where the EU sees significant potential for increased partnership with Vietnam.

Following President Costa's visit, the EU Commissioner for Infrastructure is expected to visit Vietnam soon. This visit will focus on discussing specific cooperation, including projects with the European Investment Bank (EIB) and bilateral initiatives with EU member states.

Photo: Giang Huy