Vietnam proactively adapts, maintains peace and develops sustainably.

The discussion session also featured international leaders and officials such as European Commissioner for International Cooperation Josef Síkela, Ghanaian Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, Colombian Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism Diana Marcela Morales Roja, US State Department Senior Adviser Massad Boulos and European Investment Bank (EIB) President Nadia Calvino.

Answering questions about the global geopolitical and geo-economic picture and how Vietnam adapts, Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son said that the world is going through a year of great transformation, reflected in profound changes in international relations, the balance of power between major countries and the emergence of non-traditional security challenges such as climate change, epidemics, and cyber security.

The Deputy Prime Minister said the world economy is clearly changing direction, with the trend of protectionism and regionalization of supply chains becoming stronger, while science and technology are becoming key drivers of green growth and sustainable development. International institutions are also facing pressure to reform to reflect the new reality of power distribution, but multilateral cooperation remains an indispensable pillar of global governance.

Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son emphasized that science and technology not only expand cooperation opportunities but also increase strategic competition, causing new risks to national sovereignty if not well controlled. Along with that, inequality, environmental degradation and disparities in access to technology are eroding social trust and causing instability in many regions. He stated: “These trends reflect a complex, interdependent but constantly changing world. Each country needs to proactively adapt, turn challenges into opportunities, and contribute to building a more stable and inclusive international order.”

From the perspective of a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Deputy Prime Minister said that the region’s strength lies in unity in diversity, based on three core principles: inclusiveness, flexibility and diversification. These values help ASEAN maintain solidarity, adaptability and steadfastness in the face of global fluctuations, and can be a source of inspiration for other regions in the work of maintaining peace and promoting international cooperation.

Regarding Vietnam's adaptation, Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son affirmed that Vietnam is always steadfast in its goal of maintaining peace and stability and creating favorable conditions for national development. Vietnam pursues an independent, self-reliant, diversified and multilateral foreign policy, and is a friend, a reliable partner and a responsible member of the international community.

Vietnam is promoting green economy, deep integration, market diversification, taking advantage of opportunities from science and technology, innovation and digital transformation to form new growth drivers. In addition, Vietnam is expanding partnerships in all fields, increasing resilience to global fluctuations, investing heavily in science and technology, identifying 11 strategic technologies to strengthen national autonomy, aiming to become a modern industrialized country by 2030 and a developed, high-income country by 2045.

Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son stressed that Vietnam will continue to promote multilateral cooperation, respect international law and the United Nations Charter, proactively participate in peacekeeping, sustainable development, and ensure security, safety and freedom of navigation and aviation. He stated: “Vietnam steadfastly maintains its autonomy, acts responsibly and proactively cooperates substantially with all partners. That is how we protect national interests and contribute to building a peaceful, stable and prosperous world.”

At the discussion session, international speakers also shared their views on the world situation, highlighting the need to minimize risks in economic and trade relations in the context of increasingly deep globalization.

The Global Gateway Forum is a strategic dialogue channel bringing together leaders of countries, financial institutions and international businesses, aiming to promote investment cooperation and sustainable development, especially within the framework of the European Union (EU) Global Gateway Strategy.

* Within the framework of attending the Forum, on the same day, Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son had bilateral meetings with Vice President of the European Commission (EC) and EU High Representative for Security and Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas and Permanent Vice President of the EC in charge of green transition, fairness and competitiveness Teresa Ribera.

At the meeting with EC Vice President and EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, the two sides had an in-depth exchange on Vietnam-EU relations and international issues of mutual concern.

Ms. Kallas sympathized with Vietnam about the damage caused by storms and floods, affirming that the EU is ready to provide humanitarian assistance and cooperate in reducing natural disaster risks. The Deputy Prime Minister thanked the concern, saying that Vietnam is making efforts to overcome the consequences, while maintaining the growth target of over 8% in 2025 - a year of special significance, marking the 80th anniversary of National Day and the 50th anniversary of National Reunification.

Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son affirmed that Vietnam attaches importance to the EU's global role and supports the Global Gateway Strategy, while suggesting that the two sides continue to coordinate at multilateral forums, promote multilateralism, strengthen the role of the United Nations and comply with international law.

The two sides assessed that the Vietnam - EU relationship after 35 years of diplomatic establishment (1990 - 2025) has been developing strongly, comprehensively and substantially; agreed to upgrade the relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The Deputy Prime Minister asked the EU to increase support for Vietnam in the fields of green economy, energy transition, innovation, and promote the ratification of the Vietnam - EU Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), creating favorable conditions for businesses of both sides.

Regarding the fisheries sector, Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son asked the EU to soon remove the IUU “yellow card”, recognizing Vietnam’s serious efforts in combating illegal fishing, aiming for sustainable fisheries cooperation. Vice President Kallas said the EC will send a working group to Vietnam in November 2025 for specific discussions.

On this occasion, the Deputy Prime Minister invited Vice President Kallas to visit Vietnam and invited the EU to attend the signing ceremony of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime in Hanoi at the end of October 2025.

At the meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son, EC Permanent Vice President Teresa Ribera congratulated Vietnam on its impressive growth results and sympathized with Vietnam on the damage caused by natural disasters. She affirmed that the EU is ready to cooperate and support Vietnam in improving its capacity for early warning and disaster response, and considers Vietnam an important partner in green and sustainable development.

The Deputy Prime Minister thanked the EU for supporting the Just Energy Transition (JETP) and regional green connectivity projects, and suggested that the EU continue to play a leading role in the International Partnership Group to support Vietnam in developing offshore wind power, renewable energy, smart grids and circular industries.

Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son also suggested that the EU have a reasonable roadmap when applying the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), helping Vietnamese businesses adapt in a fair and sustainable manner.

The two sides agreed to promote cooperation in the fields of science and technology, green innovation, digital transformation and industrial emission reduction, contributing to the implementation of sustainable development commitments and towards upgrading the Vietnam - EU relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

On this occasion, Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son conveyed the invitation of the Vietnamese high-ranking leaders to EC President Ursula von der Leyen and invited Vice President Teresa Ribera to visit Vietnam. Vice President Ribera welcomed the invitation and looked forward to visiting Vietnam soon to promote cooperation in the field of green transition.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/thoi-su/viet-nam-chu-dong-thich-ung-giu-vung-hoa-binh-va-phat-trien-ben-vung-20251010062238083.htm