(VOVWORLD) -The European Council President’s official visit to Vietnam, coming shortly after the successful organization of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, and the upgrade of Vietnam-EU ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, carries particular significance, reflecting the depth of the relationship and the strategic vision of the relations in a new phase of development, said Party General Secretary To Lam.
 Party General Secretary To Lam and President of the European Council António Costa. Photo: Thong Nhat/VNA
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General Secretary Lam hosted a reception for President of the European Council (EC) António Costa in Hanoi on Friday. The Party chief briefed the guest on key outcomes of the 14th National Party Congress and the goals for Vietnam's development in the new period. Regarding Vietnam-EU relations, he said Vietnam is the first ASEAN country to have a comprehensive strategic partnership with the EU.
The General Secretary called for stronger cooperation in politics-foreign affairs, economy, and security-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 developing fisheries sustainably, with a view to have the “yellow card” warning lifted.
 Party General Secretary To Lam receives President of the European Council António Costa. Photo: Thong Nhat/VNA
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President Costa, on behalf of the EU, congratulated General Secretary Lam on his re-election to the highest leadership position to continue leading Vietnam's renewal cause in the new era.
With bilateral ties upgraded, he said the EU is keen to deepen cooperation with Vietnam in promoting free trade, diversifying supply chains, advancing green transition, marine economy, transport infrastructure, security and defense, freedom of navigation, and addressing global challenges, for peace and cooperation in each region and the world. The EC President added EU will work closely with Vietnam to build and implement a substantive and effective roadmap for the EU-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Regarding global and regional issues, the two leaders agreed to continue coordination to foster 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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Earlier on Thursday, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with the President of the European Council Antonio Costa. The Prime Minister requested that the EU send an inspection team to Vietnam soon to conduct specific assessments, taking into account Vietnam's serious and effective efforts in combating IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing, in order to quickly lift the "Yellow Card" against Vietnamese seafood. He called on the EU to continue supporting Vietnam in transforming its fisheries development model towards modernity and sustainability.
During the meeting, the two leaders also agreed to closely coordinate the effective implementation of the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and to expedite the ratification of the Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).
 National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man meets with European Council President António Costa. Photo: Le Tuyet/VOV
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Later that afternoon, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man met with European Council President Antonio Costa.