Vietnam – Denmark upgraded relations to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

During the talks in Copenhagen on October 20, General Secretary and President To Lam and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen agreed on the need to take advantage of new opportunities, promote the strengths of each country, create new developments for bilateral cooperation, and make practical contributions to the implementation of each country’s development goals.

On that basis, the two leaders agreed to adopt a Joint Declaration upgrading the Vietnam – Denmark relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, creating a new political framework and driving force to promote extensive, substantive and effective cooperation, for the long-term benefits of the two peoples, for peace, stability, cooperation and sustainable development in each region and the world. Denmark is the second country in the European Union (EU) to establish a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Vietnam, besides France.

The two sides agreed to identify economic, trade and investment cooperation as important pillars of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership; Continue to effectively implement the Vietnam – EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), promote market opening, create favorable conditions for businesses of the two countries to participate more deeply in the global value chain and supply chain, and strive to increase bilateral trade turnover.

Prime Minister Frederiksen supports Danish businesses to increase their presence and long-term investment in Vietnam, developing high-tech, environmentally friendly projects with great added value.

The General Secretary and President emphasized the need to strengthen policy dialogue, investment promotion, and turn cooperation commitments into specific cooperation projects.

The two leaders agreed to continue promoting the effectiveness of the Green Strategic Partnership, making cooperation in energy conversion, response to climate change and sustainable development become strategic, long-term cooperation priorities.

Prime Minister Frederiksen affirmed that Denmark is ready to continue sharing experience and technology, supporting Vietnam in developing renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, promoting equitable energy transition and implementing the commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

The General Secretary and President asked Denmark to increase support for Vietnam in perfecting the policy framework, mobilizing green financial resources and promoting large-scale renewable energy projects, especially offshore wind power, while also supporting Vietnam in effectively implementing the Fair Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).

The two leaders agreed to expand cooperation in the fields of strategic infrastructure, seaports, logistics, blue ocean transportation and supply chain connection. The General Secretary and President welcomed Danish businesses to participate in developing seaport systems, logistics centers, transport infrastructure and green transport corridors in Vietnam.

The leaders of the two countries also agreed to promote science – technology, innovation and digital transformation to become new driving forces of bilateral cooperation; promote cooperation in research, application and technology transfer; Strengthen connections between universities, research institutes, innovation centers and businesses of the two countries, promote the training of high-quality human resources.

The two sides will strengthen cooperation in the fields of health, circular economy, smart urban development and climate change adaptation; Expand cultural exchanges, education, tourism, local cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.

Prime Minister Frederiksen highly appreciated the contributions of the community of more than 18,000 Vietnamese people in Denmark, integrating well with the host country, contributing positively to the local economy and society and contributing to strengthening the Vietnam – Denmark friendship.

Regarding multilateral cooperation, the two leaders shared views on international and regional issues; agreed to strengthen coordination and mutual support at the United Nations and multilateral forums, promoting multilateralism and respect for international law; promote ASEAN – EU relations to develop substantively and effectively. Vietnam is ready to promote its role as a bridge to promote cooperation between Denmark and ASEAN.

Vietnam – Denmark joint statement

After the talks, General Secretary and President To Lam and Prime Minister Frederiksen witnessed the handing over of cooperation documents between ministries, branches, agencies and businesses of the two countries in fields such as health, science and technology, aviation and energy.