Vietnam and Germany Strengthen Strategic Partnership

Strategic Insights -

Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang and German State Secretary Andreas Michaelis co-chaired the seventh Vietnam-German strategic dialogue in Berlin, discussing measures to enhance bilateral cooperation and address regional and international issues of mutual concern. Hang hailed Germany's support in the COVID-19 pandemic, while Michaelis praised Vietnam's development achievements and its role as a key partner in the Indo-Pacific region. The two sides agreed to strengthen exchanges and cooperation in areas where both countries excel, including trade and investment. They also committed to supporting each other in international forums and addressing regional security concerns.

Key Takeaways:

  • Vietnam and Germany agreed to increase high-level exchanges and maintain regular cooperation mechanisms to deepen their strategic partnership.
  • The two sides will promote trade cooperation under the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) to facilitate market access.
  • Vietnam requested Germany to back the European Commission's consideration of removing its 'yellow card' warning against Vietnamese seafood due to its efforts to combat IUU fishing.
  • Germany will encourage its firms to invest and expand production in Vietnam and support the country in environmental protection, energy, and vocational training.
  • Vietnam and Germany affirmed to maintain close coordination and mutual support at international frameworks, including the EU and ASEAN.
  • The two sides emphasized the importance of maintaining peace, stability, and security, particularly maritime security, and supporting the settlement of disputes by peaceful means and abiding by international law.
  • A strategic action plan for the 2023-2025 period was approved, outlining cooperation activities in politics-security, economics, climate, energy, science-technology, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.

Statistics:

  • Over 10 million vaccine doses and important medical equipment were provided by Germany to Vietnam to support its pandemic prevention and control efforts.
  • Vietnam is Germany's biggest trading partner in the EU.
  • The two countries have a long-held strategic partnership, with Vietnam being an important partner for Germany in the Indo-Pacific region.
  • Vietnam has committed to reducing emissions to zero by 2050, and Germany will support the country in accessing capital, technology, and human resources training within the framework of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).

Sources:

  • Vietnam News Agency (April 3, 2023)
  • German Federal Foreign Office (April 3, 2023)