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Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (R) receives Portuguese Minister of State and Foreign Affairs Paulo Rangel in Hanoi on February 27. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam wants to further deepen multifaceted ties with Portugal: PM

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on February 27 received visiting Portuguese Minister of State and Foreign Affairs Paulo Rangel, during which he affirmed that Vietnam attaches great importance to and wants to further deepen friendship and multifaceted cooperation with Portugal.

Welcoming the minister's visit, PM Chinh stressed its significance in concretising commitments made by key leaders of the two countries and in opening up new, substantive and effective directions for cooperation.

He highlighted the historical bonds between the two peoples dating back more than 500 years and described Portugal’s decision to open an embassy in Vietnam as a landmark step, reflecting its determination to strengthen the bilateral ties and create a favorable foundation for cooperation across fields.

On the basis of sound relations and ample untapped potential, he called for enhanced political trust, increased exchanges at all levels, particularly high-level visits, and efforts to elevate the ties in a more practical and effective manner in line with the new context.

Noting the complementary nature of the two economies, PM Chinh proposed maximizing each side’s strengths to make economic, trade and investment cooperation a key pillar of the bilateral relations. He suggested both sides study the establishment of cooperation mechanisms to facilitate long-term and stable collaboration.

Regarding priority areas, he suggested stronger cooperation in renewable energy based on "sharing risks and harmonising interests” to ensure efficiency and sustainability, encouraging Portuguese enterprises to participate in offshore wind, solar power and energy infrastructure projects in Vietnam.

He also underscored significant potential for maritime economic development and proposed enhanced cooperation in the fields of shipping, seaport, shipbuilding and logistics, in line with each country’s marine development strategy.

The Government leader further urged closer coordination in effectively implementing free trade agreements between Vietnam and the European Union (EU), and called on Portugal to prompt the ratification of the EU–Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) by remaining EU member states.

He also proposed expanding exchanges and experience-sharing in digital transformation, innovation, healthcare, sports and education-training, including Portuguese language teaching. Given strong tourism potential, he suggested facilitating travel, including through visa exemptions for citizens of both countries, cited VNA.

For his part, Rangel congratulated Vietnam on the outcomes of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, as well as the country's historic development achievements and future goals.

He welcomed Vietnam’s elevation of relations with the EU to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, thereby strengthening cooperation with EU member states, including Portugal. He affirmed that Portugal considers Vietnam one of its key partners in Southeast Asia and wants to further deepen multifaceted cooperation.

Agreeing with PM Chinh's major orientations, Rangel said Portugal stands ready to promote high-level exchanges and strengthen business connectivity to soon achieve the bilateral trade target of 1 billion USD as agreed by senior leaders, and to establish cooperation mechanisms at an early date.

He also spoke highly of cooperation potential in renewable energy and maritime economy, affirming that Portuguese enterprises possess experience and technologies and are keen to engage in projects in Vietnam.

The two sides agreed to continue close coordination at multilateral forums, uphold multilateralism and respect international law. PM Chinh emphasized the principles that solidarity creates strength, cooperation brings benefits and dialogue builds trust.

Regarding the East Sea issue, both sides underscored the importance of compliance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), maintaining peace and stability and enhancing mutual trust among nations.

Vietnamese, Portuguese foreign ministers hold talks in Hanoi

Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung held talks with Portuguese Minister of State and Foreign Affairs Paulo Rangel in Hanoi on February 27 during the latter’s official visit to Vietnam.

Welcoming Rangel, Trung noted that this is the first visit to Vietnam by a minister from a European Union (EU) member state following the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the recent trip by President of the European Council Antonio Costa.

The visit demonstrates Portugal’s determination, as well as that of the EU, to further strengthen multifaceted cooperation with Vietnam, he said, welcoming Portugal’s official inauguration of its embassy in Hanoi.

The Vietnamese minister briefed his guest on the major outcomes of the 14th National Party Congress, including key development orientations and new directions in Vietnam’s foreign policy.

To deepen bilateral ties, Trung proposed increasing delegation exchanges at all levels and between the two countries' parties, states, parliaments, and peoples while maximizing cooperation potential.

He suggested establishing channels and mechanisms to guide and support businesses of both countries in connectivity, investment and cooperation in areas matching each side’s strengths and needs. He also called on Portugal to actively encourage the remaining EU member states to soon ratify the EU – Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).

For his part, Rangel congratulated Vietnam on the success of its 14th National Party Congress and expressed his admiration for the country’s socio-economic achievements and rising international standing.

Underlining the centuries-old historical ties between the two nations, he affirmed that Portugal regards Vietnam as an important partner in Southeast Asia, and wishes to further enhance multifaceted cooperation.

The opening of Portugal’s embassy in Hanoi, he said, is vivid proof of the robust development of relations 50 years since diplomatic ties were set up.

Noting significant untapped potential, particularly in trade and investment, Rangel said Portuguese enterprises are keen to increase their presence in Vietnam in sectors such as renewable energy, culture and sports, according to VNA.

The talks between Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung and Portuguese Minister of State and Foreign Affairs Paulo Rangel in Hanoi on February 27. (Photo: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

The two ministers agreed to work closely to promote Portugal’s relations with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Vietnam's ties with the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), as well as ASEAN – EU links.

They concurred in making economic, trade and investment cooperation a key pillar of bilateral relations while stepping up collaboration in maritime economy, renewable energy, education and training, start-ups, innovation and locality-to-locality connectivity.

They agreed to effectively implement the existing cooperation mechanism and agreements while promoting the negotiation and signing of deals on visa exemption for diplomatic passport holders, judicial cooperation, and partnerships between the chambers of commerce and industry.

The officials also discussed international issues of mutual concern, stressing the importance of respect for international law and multilateralism in addressing traditional and non-traditional challenges.

Vietnam, EFTA step up negotiations to finalize free trade agreement

The 19th round of negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) between Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) is underway in Geneva, generating positive momentum as both sides demonstrate strong political to reach a trade deal as soon as possible.

Vietnam and the EFTA, which groups Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, have been negotiating the deal to deepen trade and investment ties.

During this latest round, negotiators focused on resolving key outstanding issues. Both sides noted substantial progress in core chapters, including trade in goods and services, investment, intellectual property, sustainable development and government procurement.

In a bid to expedite the process, the two sides agreed not to introduce new matters into the negotiations and instead concentrate on flexibly addressing remaining differences. Technical teams are stepping up legal reviews and completing necessary procedures, aiming to conclude negotiations and possibly sign the agreement at the upcoming EFTA Ministerial Conference scheduled to take place in Iceland this June.

The EFTA side commended Vietnam's active engagement and its proposals on market access, while reiterating the bloc's strengths in fostering private sector investment and facilitating technology transfer, VGP reported.

Photo: VGP

Once finalized and signed, the Vietnam–EFTA FTA is expected to significantly enhance bilateral trade and investment flows, broaden cooperation with some of Europe's most advanced economies and make a meaningful contribution to resilient supply chains and sustainable economic growth.

Vietnam has joined a network of 17 free trade agreements involving 60 economies, covering most major global markets. Vietnam's FTA network can be grouped into three main categories: ASEAN-based agreements, new-generation FTAs and bilateral accords.

High-standard trade agreements include the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and the European Union–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA). These agreements connect Vietnam to major economies across Asia-Pacific, Europe and the Americas.

Hanoi ranks among world’s 50 most beautiful cities

Hanoi has been named one of the world’s 50 most beautiful cities by US travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler.

This list of the most stunning cities in the world spans continents and centuries, but the entries are all united by one common thread: the ability to make you fall in love at first sight, the magazine wrote.

Hanoi secured the 22nd spot in the global ranking, followed by Southeast Asian representatives Luang Prabang of Laos and Singapore, which ranked 30th and 40th, respectively, cited VOV.

Photo: VOV

“Hanoi feels like a distilled version of Southeast Asia itself—elegant, timeworn, and delicious, all wrapped into a city that’s compact and (relatively) navigable. Its devotion to tradition has long charmed Western travelers, who often rank it among their favorite Asian capitals for its incense-filled temples, classic shop houses, and stately villas in the French Quarter. And while Hanoi continues to modernize, it hasn’t lost its romantic soul,” the magazine wrote.

Abu Dhabi of the United Arab Emirates topped the list, followed by Amsterdam of the Netherlands and Antigua of Guatemala. Barcelona of Spain and Bergen of Norway completed the top five, while Bruges of Belgium, Buenos Aires of Argentina and Cape Town of South Africa rounded out the top 10.

Mozambique grants e-visa to Vietnamese travelers

Mozambique has launched an electronic visa (e-visa) system for citizens of 183 countries and territories, including Vietnam, marking a major step in the country’s tourism drive and broader digital transformation agenda.

The move is part of the government’s Visit Mozambique initiative aimed at stimulating economic growth and attracting foreign investment through streamlined administrative procedures and enhanced connectivity.

It allows travelers from 183 countries to apply online for different visa categories, including tourist, business, humanitarian, sports and cultural visas, as well as long-term stays of up to two years. Applications can be completed fully online, with visas issued electronically before departure, cited VOV.

Mozambique is described as a "hidden gem" of the Indian Ocean. (Photo: Lonely Planet)

The new e-visa platform is operated by VFS Global. According to Jiten Vyas, Chief Commercial Officer of the company, the launch is expected to promote Mozambique’s global image, attract more international visitors and support the country’s long-term tourism development goals.

Earlier, from August 15, 2023, Vietnam began issuing e-visas to citizens of all countries and territories. The temporary stay period was also extended from 15 to 45 days for nationals of 24 countries unilaterally granted visa exemptions.

Mozambique, officially the Republic of Mozambique, is located in Southeast Africa. Often described as a "hidden gem" of the Indian Ocean, the country boasts thousands of kilometers of coastline and pristine islands, where unspoiled nature blends with diverse culture.

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