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Vietnamese State President Luong Cuong (right) and President of the European Council (EC) António Costa at their meeting on January 29. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, EU upgrade ties to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

Vietnamese State President Luong Cuong and President of the European Council (EC) António Costa on January 29 officially announced the upgrading of Vietnam–EU relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership after 35 years of establishing diplomatic ties.

The agreement was reached during their talks in Hanoi within the framework of the EC President’s official visit to Vietnam on January 28 and 29.

At the talks, President Cuong highlighted the historic significance of the trip as the first visit to Vietnam by a President of the European Council since 2012, and the first by a European leader following the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

He affirmed that the visit opens a new chapter in Vietnam–EU relations, marked by the two sides’ decision to elevate bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Appreciating the European Union (EU)’s role and standing as a leading global centre of politics, economy, science and technology, and culture, the State President affirmed that Vietnam consistently regards the EU as one of its most important partners in foreign policy. He underscored the country’s desire to develop relations with the EU in a deep, comprehensive manner, while continuously strengthening friendship and cooperation with EU member states.

He also highlighted the EU’s role in promoting multilateralism and upholding international law in pursuit of peace, stability and development in the regions and the world, VNA reported.

Briefing the guest on the key outcomes of the 14th National Party Congress, President Cuong emphasised Vietnam’s two 100-year strategic goals: becoming a developing country with modern industry and upper-middle income by 2030, and a developed, high-income country by 2045. He stressed that building a new growth model based on science and technology, innovation, digital transformation and green transition is among Vietnam’s key priorities, and affirmed that it stands ready to continue working alongside the EU in a new era of development.

On this basis, President Cuong proposed the two sides closely coordinate in implementing the substance of the Joint Statement on upgrading bilateral relations, with six key orientations. These include strengthening political trust through the exchange of high-level delegations and contacts; effectively implementing existing cooperation mechanisms while expanding new ones; identifying economic collaboration as a continued key driver of the bilateral ties; making science, technology and innovation a genuine pillar of cooperation; and promoting respect for international law and multilateralism.

He called on the EU to promote collaboration in marine economy, support Vietnam in building a sustainable fisheries sector, and soon lift the “yellow card” imposed on Vietnamese seafood. He affirmed that Vietnam supports stronger ASEAN–EU relations and stands ready to serve as a bridge to further deepen substantive cooperation between the two sides, toward the 50th founding anniversary of ASEAN–EU relations in 2027.

Expressing his honor as the first European guest to visit Vietnam immediately after the 14th National Party Congress - a moment of great significance in shaping Vietnam’s future, EC President Costa thanked the Vietnamese State and President Cuong for their warm and gracious reception. He congratulated the success of the 14th National Party Congress and expressed his deep admiration for Vietnam’s major, comprehensive socio-economic achievements over 40 years of Doi moi (Renewal).

Congratulating the country on its increasingly prominent role, standing and reputation in the international stage, EC President Costa affirmed that the EU regards Vietnam as an important partner within ASEAN and in its Indo-Pacific Strategy, as well as a partner sharing common values with the EU, including respect for international law and support for free trade and freedom of navigation.

EC President Costa said his visit marked a historic moment, with the two sides upgrading their ties to a new level, making Vietnam the EU’s first comprehensive strategic partner in ASEAN. The move reflects not only the depth of the 35-year relationship but also the growing closeness and alignment of long-term visions amid an increasingly unpredictable global landscape, he said.

He noted the vast potential for cooperation across a wide range of fields, including trade, sustainable development, innovation, the maritime economy, governance, security and people-to-people exchanges. He expressed the EU’s desire to step up cooperation with Vietnam in traditional areas such as trade and investment, agriculture, sustainable development and climate change response, while expanding collaboration into new domains such as green transition, digital transformation, just energy transition, infrastructure and transport connectivity. Such cooperation, he stressed, should be commensurate with the level of the comprehensive strategic partnership and serve as a model for EU relations with a Southeast Asian country.

The two leaders officially announced the upgrade of Vietnam–EU relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership after 35 years of establishing diplomatic ties, and agreed on orientations for developing an action plan to effectively implement the Joint Declaration on the Vietnam–EU Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in the coming period.

They agreed to promote cooperation in science, technology and innovation, elevating this area into a new pillar of bilateral relations, particularly in fields where Europe has strengths such as science, digital transformation and connectivity. Both sides committed to fully and effectively implementing the EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and to working towards the early completion of the ratification of the EU–Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), with a view to delivering tangible benefits for businesses on both sides and encouraging high-quality EU investment flows into Vietnam. They also agreed to maintain the effectiveness of the Vietnam–EU Defense and Security Dialogue mechanism, enhance cooperation in UN peacekeeping operations, and expand collaboration in maritime security, cybersecurity and crisis management.

Both sides further consented to strengthen cooperation on environmental protection and climate change response, green economy, circular economy, marine economy and clean energy.

Exchanging views on regional and international issues of mutual concern, the two sides agreed to enhance coordination in addressing global challenges, promote multilateralism, uphold international law and resolve disputes peacefully in accordance with the UN Charter. They underlined the importance of maintaining peace, stability, freedom of navigation and overflight, and the rule of law in seas and oceans, including the East Sea, as well as in the Indo-Pacific and the Atlantic.

Vietnamese in Wellington celebrate Tet with cultural festivities

Under the auspices of the Vietnamese Embassy in New Zealand, the Vietnamese Association in Wellington (VietCom) recently hosted an event to welcome the Lunar New Year (Tet) 2026, featuring a lineup of meaningful activities rich in national cultural identity.

Joining the "Tet Viet 2026" event were many local friends, including former Governor-General of New Zealand Anand Satyanand and his spouse, along with representatives of the New Zealand - Vietnam Friendship Association.

Attendees of all ages from the Vietnamese community, together with guests, enjoyed time-honoured traditions: wrapping banh chung (square glutinous rice cake), snagging good-luck calligraphy, creating artworks inspired by the homeland, playing folk spring games, and going head-to-head in tug-of-war matches.

As a highlight, a cultural exchange featured music performances that blended upbeat spring melodies with ballads evoking deep affection for Vietnam, culminating in a show of the traditional Vietnamese ao dai (long dress). The performances took the audience on an emotional journey, earning rounds of applause throughout, according to VNA.

A calligraphy booth draws young Vietnamese at the gathering. (Photo: VNA)

In his speech, VietCom President Nguyen Van Thai affirmed that VietCom would stage regular, meaningful events in collaboration with Vietnamese associations and organizations. The purpose, he said, is to keep national cultural identity alive, pull the Vietnamese community in New Zealand and Wellington tighter than ever, help each other out, and never let those strong ties back home fade away.

Vietnamese Ambassador to New Zealand Phan Minh Giang noted that Tet Viet 2026 comes on the heels of the 14th National Party Congress, a landmark gathering and historic milestone that opened a new stage of development and embodied Vietnam’s ambition for prosperity.

Affirming the Vietnamese community in New Zealand as an inseparable part of the nation, he expressed hope that overseas Vietnamese would remain united, supportive of each other, successful in their pursuits, and steadfastly preserve and uphold national cultural identity. He also underscored their vital role in fostering friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and New Zealand.

On the occasion, the embassy presented certificates of merit to outstanding Vietnamese associations and organizations in Wellington and New Zealand, in recognition of their hard work keeping the community strong and thriving.

New Zealand–Vietnam Business Council to boost trade and investment ties

Vietnam welcomes the launch of the New Zealand–Vietnam Business Council (NZVBC) in Auckland, describing the initiative as a timely and practical contribution to implementing the Vietnam–New Zealand Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established in 2025, said a diplomat.

At the launch on January 28, Vietnamese Ambassador to New Zealand Phan Minh Giang said the Government of Vietnam is committed to creating favourable conditions for New Zealand businesses and investors to expand their operations in Vietnam in an effective and sustainable manner.

He added that the Vietnamese Embassy in New Zealand, alongside the Vietnam Trade Office, stands ready to work closely with business communities in both countries to enhance exchanges, facilitate market access, and strengthen the role of chambers of commerce and business associations, including the Auckland Business Chamber and the New Zealand–Vietnam Business Council, in directly connecting enterprises.

The launch ceremony was organized by the Auckland Business Chamber with support from the Vietnamese Embassy and Trade Office in New Zealand, attracting hundreds of representatives from New Zealand organisations, companies and individuals interested in exploring opportunities and seeking partners in the Vietnamese market.

Auckland Business Chamber CEO Simon Bridges said the establishment of the NZVBC marks an important milestone for New Zealand’s business community and would contribute positively to the prosperity of both countries.

Describing Vietnam as a large and dynamic market of more than 106 million people and one of the fastest-growing economies in ASEAN, Bridges said the council would work to provide practical market insights, build trusted networks and help bridge the gap between strategy and action for businesses in both countries, reported VOV.

Vietnamese Ambassador to New Zealand Phan Minh Giang speaks at the launch of the New Zealand–Vietnam Business Council in Auckland on January 28. (Photo: VNA)

According to the organizers, the NZVBC would focus on promoting substantive cooperation for its members and, in coordination with partners, organize business forums, investment and trade promotion events, technology transfer activities, digital transformation and e-commerce initiatives.

The council is expected to become operational shortly, establish cooperation programmes, organize business delegations to Vietnam, and develop sector-based networks while drawing on the experience of companies already active in the Vietnamese market to provide advisory support.

Vietnam works closely with WHO to guard against Nipah virus

Vietnam is working closely with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and international partners to strengthen preparedness and prevent the possible spread of the Nipah virus, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

At a regular press briefing in Hanoi on January 29, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang said Vietnam has so far recorded no Nipah infections, but authorities are maintaining heightened vigilance amid regional concerns.

She said Vietnamese agencies are coordinating with local authorities to step up disease surveillance and prevention at border gates, healthcare facilities and in communities, while ensuring readiness to implement response measures if needed, cited VOV.

Medical staff monitor temperature screening of passengers arriving from West Bengal, India, at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Thailand on January 25, 2026. (Photo: AP)

“Vietnam will continue to closely monitor developments and cooperate with the World Health Organisation and other countries to promptly deploy appropriate and effective prevention and control measures,” said the spokesperson.

Nipah is a zoonotic virus first identified during an outbreak in Malaysia in the 1990s. It is transmitted from animals to humans, mainly through fruit bats and pigs, and can also spread via direct contact with infected animals or people. There is currently no vaccine for the disease.

The virus can cause severe symptoms such as high fever, vomiting and seizures. According to the WHO, the fatality rate ranges from 40% to 75%.

India has recently confirmed two Nipah cases. Although no cases have been reported outside India, several Asian countries have moved to introduce or tighten airport screening and other precautionary measures to reduce the risk of cross-border transmission.

Hanoi ranked among Asia's top 2 favorite destinations for 2026

Hanoi has just been ranked the second most beloved destination in Asia by the Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Destinations 2026 list, published by global travel platform Tripadvisor.

In this year’s rankings, Hanoi trails only behind Bali (Indonesia), which secured the top spot. Bangkok (Thailand) came in third. Other iconic destinations such as Siem Reap (Cambodia) and Tokyo (Japan) also made the top five.

Notably, Vietnam had another representative in the top 10 - Hoi An climbed to 7th place, jumping four spots from the previous year. This upward momentum reflects the increasing appeal of Vietnamese destinations among international tourists, particularly those seeking heritage preservation and immersive local experiences.

The Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Destinations is widely regarded as one of the most influential travel rankings globally. Unlike lists curated by experts or shaped by promotional campaigns, this award is based entirely on actual traveler feedback and reviews.

The 2026 edition compiled data from reviews submitted between October 2024 and September 2025, evaluating accommodation, attractions, and overall visitor satisfaction.

According to Tripadvisor, the award is designed to honor destinations that consistently deliver high-quality experiences, not just temporary travel trends. Only a very small percentage of locations on the platform achieve “Best of the Best” status each year, making this recognition especially significant.

Beyond rankings, Hanoi’s tourism growth is also evident in its real-world numbers. In 2025, the city welcomed over 33.7 million visitors - an increase of 20.8% compared to 2024, VNN reported.

Hanoi ranks second among Asia’s top travel destinations in Tripadvisor’s 2026 awards. Photo: Le Anh Dung

Among them, international arrivals exceeded 7.82 million, up 22.7% year-on-year. Hanoi’s total tourism revenue for 2025 was estimated at more than USD 5.4 billion, rising 21.5% from the previous year.

Securing the No.2 spot in Asia in Tripadvisor’s 2026 rankings shows that Hanoi is not only keeping pace with regional tourism trends, but also steadily reinforcing its position as one of the most competitive urban destinations in Asia.

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