(VOVWORLD) -President Luong Cuong on Thursday hosted a grand banquet for the President of the European Council António Costa and the high-level delegation from the European Union (EU) on their official visit to Vietnam.
 President Luong Cuong and President of the European Council António Costa at the banquet. Photo: Viet Cuong/VOV
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Speaking at the event in Hanoi, President Cuong emphasized that the visit opens a new chapter in Vietnam-EU relations. The decision by both sides to upgrade their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the highest level of relations, reflects the political determination of both sides to make Vietnam-EU relations a true model of cooperation, he added.
 President Luong Cuong delivers a speech at the banquet. Photo: Viet Cuong/VOV
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According to the Vietnamese leader, in a rapidly changing, complex, and unpredictable world, both sides have agreed that the Vietnam-EU relationship needs to go beyond the framework of conventional bilateral cooperation, truly commensurate with the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership in all fields. He also called for promoting the rule of law and supporting multilateralism and free trade.
“Vietnam is ready to be a reliable partner of the EU in Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific region. I believe that with a solid foundation, with a new level of relations, with the political will of the leaders and the support of the people of both sides, the Vietnam-EU relationship will thrive, making a positive contribution to the development of each side as well as to peace, prosperity, stability and development in the region and the world.”
 Scene of the banquet. Photo: Viet Cuong/VOV
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President Costa called the upgrading of relations between the EU and Vietnam to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership as a historic decision, reflecting the long-term vision of both sides towards the future. The upgrading of relations sends a clear message about the importance of reliable and stable partnerships, in which the EU and Vietnam share a common stance in supporting international law, multilateralism, and open and fair trade.
The EC President congratulated the 35-year friendship between the EU and Vietnam, expressing confidence that their comprehensive strategic partnership will continue to flourish for the peace, prosperity, and common interests of both sides as well as the international community.
President of the European Council António Costa departed Hanoi on Thursday night, concluding his two-day official visit to Vietnam at the invitation of President Luong Cuong.