Vietnam and the European Union have elevated diplomatic relations as both sides seek secure footing amid global trade and security shocks.
The announcement of a "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership" between Brussels and Hanoi last week places the EU side by side with China, the United States and Russia as one of Vietnam's top-tier diplomatic relationships. Vietnamese President Luong Cuong described it as a "historical milestone underlining the great achievements that the two sides have made," during a meeting with the head of the European Council, Antonio Costa, in Hanoi.Costa pointed out that the new partnership "highlights the importance we attach to the region and to Vietnam's growing role."
"At a moment when the international rules-based order is under threat from multiple sides, we need to start to stand side by side as reliable and predictable partners," he added.
