EU and Vietnam Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation on Climate Change and Security

Strategic Insights -

The European Union and Vietnam have co-chaired a meeting to discuss a range of topics in their bilateral cooperation, including climate change, security, trade, and human rights. The meeting was co-chaired by Paola Pampaloni, Acting Managing Director for Asia and Pacific in the European External Action Service, and Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang. The EU commended Vietnam's commitment to becoming climate neutral by 2050 and reviewed the progress on their Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP). The JETP aims to support Vietnam's low-emission and climate-resilient development.

Key Takeaways:

  • The EU and Vietnam discussed the need for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine in accordance with the United Nations Charter and international law.
  • The two sides expressed concern at recent developments in the East Sea and reaffirmed the importance of peace, stability, security, and freedom of navigation and overflight.
  • Vietnam reiterated its commitment to the UN Charter and international law, including the need to respect the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of all states.
  • The EU and Vietnam agreed on the need to find peaceful solutions to recent security developments while respecting principles of international law and the UN Charter.
  • The two sides will continue their joint efforts towards the launch of the JETP's Resource Mobilisation Plan at the earliest opportunity.
  • Vietnam was invited to the third Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum to be held in Brussels on February 2, 2024.
  • The EU and Vietnam shared views on recent security developments and agreed on the need to find peaceful solutions while respecting international law and the UN Charter.
  • The EU reiterated its gratitude for the deployment of two Vietnamese officers to the EU Training Mission in the Central African Republic.

Statistics:

  • Vietnam aims to become climate neutral by 2050.
  • Progress on the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) is being supported by Vietnamese authorities and international partners.
  • The JETP aims to contribute to the international climate change agenda by promoting investment for the decarbonization of Vietnam's electricity system.

Sources:

  • European External Action Service
  • Government of Vietnam (no date)