Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Vietnam Julien Guerrier. Photo: Viet Duc/VNA

Guerrier added that Vietnam and the EU intend to elevate their partnership to usher in a "new era" in bilateral relations, demonstrating enhanced cooperation and the pioneering and exemplary role of this relationship. Both sides aim to reinforce the three existing pillars of cooperation, which are trade, green transition, and peace and security.

Vietnam and the EU want to beef up cooperation in peacekeeping, maritime security, crisis management, and promoting respect for international law, including in the East Sea. In addition, both seek to develop new areas such as digital transformation, innovation, high-tech fields like semiconductors and AI, and essential resources.

Regarding the lifting of the "yellow card" against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing imposed on Vietnamese seafood, Ambassador Guerrier said Vietnam has taken aggressive actions and completed its legal framework. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has been taking charge as he chaired weekly meetings with coastal provinces. The EU is analyzing an updated report from the Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and hopes to conduct an on-site inspection soon to lift the "yellow card", the EU ambassador said.