(VOVWORLD) - Party General Secretary To Lam said the European Council President’s official visit to Vietnam following the 14th National Party Congress and the upgrade of Vietnam-EU ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership hold special significance, reflecting the depth and strategic vision of bilateral relations in a new phase of development.
 Party General Secretary To Lam and President of the European Council António Costa, Hanoi, January 30, 2026 (Photo: Thong Nhat/VNA)
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During a reception for EC President António Costa in Hanoi on Friday, the Party chief said Vietnam is the first ASEAN country to establish a comprehensive strategic partnership with the EU.
He called for stronger cooperation in politics, foreign affairs, economics, security, and defense, as well as collaboration within multilateral frameworks, maritime cooperation, and collaboration in science, technology, and innovation.
He also urged the EU to support Vietnam in sustainable fisheries, with a view to having the “yellow card” lifted.
President Costa congratulated General Secretary Lam on his re-election to Vietnam’s highest leadership position to continue leading its renewal cause in the new era.
He said the EU is keen to deepen cooperation with Vietnam in promoting free trade, diversifying supply chains, advancing green transition, the marine economy, transportation infrastructure, security, defense, and freedom of navigation, and addressing global challenges.
The two leaders agreed to continue coordination to ensure respect for international law, multilateralism, and the peaceful settlement of disputes in line with the UN Charter, while advancing global cooperation and shared international agendas to address non-traditional challenges.
 Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh meets with President of the European Council António Costa. (Photo: Lai Hoa/VOV)
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Meeting with President Costa the same day, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh requested that the EU send an inspection team to Vietnam soon to conduct assessments, taking into account Vietnam's efforts to combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated fishing in order to lift the "yellow card" against Vietnamese seafood.
He called on the EU to continue supporting Vietnam in transforming its fisheries development model toward modernity and sustainability.
The two leaders agreed to closely coordinate implementation of the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and to expedite the ratification of the Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).
Mr. Costa also met with National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man.