JOINT STATEMENT BY TAOISEACH SIMON HARRIS AND GENERAL SECRETARY, PRESIDENT TÔ LÂM

JOINT STATEMENT BY TAOISEACH SIMON HARRIS AND GENERAL SECRETARY, PRESIDENT TÔ LÂM ON THE STRENGTHENING OF THE BILATERAL PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN VIETNAM AND IRELAND

1. In the context of the State Visit to Ireland by the General Secretary, President of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, His Excellency Tȏ Lȃm, at the invitation of His Excellency Michael D. Higgins, President of Ireland, General Secretary, President Tȏ Lȃm and Taoiseach Simon Harris had a warm discussion, updating each other on domestic developments, discussing ways to further advance bilateral relations, and exchanging views on international and regional issues of mutual interest.

2. The Taoiseach expressed condolences on behalf of the Irish people on the recent devastation and loss of life caused by Typhoon Yagi, and was pleased that Ireland was able to give support to the emergency response at this difficult time.

3. The two leaders acknowledged that the State Visit is an important milestone after nearly 30 years of diplomatic relations. They affirmed the importance of further strengthening

Viet Nam-Ireland relations. They agreed to work for the prosperity and inclusive development of both countries, and for peace, cooperation and development globally, in accordance with the fundamental principles of international law and the United Nations Charter.

On strengthening political, diplomatic, and security cooperation

4. The two leaders recognised the importance of high-level visits and regular exchanges. They agreed to maintain cooperation between Foreign Ministries, including through the bilateral consultations mechanism signed by their respective Foreign Ministers in February 2024.

5. The Taoiseach warmly welcomed the announcement by General Secretary, President Tȏ Lȃm that the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam plans to open an Embassy in Ireland. Both leaders agreed that the Embassy will play an important role in further deepening the friendship and good cooperation between Viet Nam and Ireland.

6. They welcomed the establishment of an Oireachtas Parliamentary Friendship Group for Viet Nam and a Viet Nam – Ireland Parliamentary Friendship Group, which will foster greater understanding between the two countries’ parliaments. Both leaders greatly appreciated the bridging role and positive contributions of the Vietnamese community in Ireland and the Irish community in Viet Nam.

7. The two leaders reiterated the importance of cooperation in the face of security threats, and agreed that the two countries would increase exchanges, promote cooperation in the field of cyber security, prevention of transnational organised crime.

8. Both sides acknowledged the importance of the promotion of human rights, taking into account each country’s characteristics and law and their international obligations.

Strategic Partnership in Higher Education

9. Based on the foundation of good bilateral cooperation over the past 30 years, the two leaders welcomed the new Sectoral Strategic Partnership in Higher Education and affirmed the importance of building a comprehensive partnership framework at the appropriate time. In this context, the leaders welcomed the signing of Memoranda of Understanding between Hanoi National University and University College Dublin and University College Cork during General Secretary, President To Lam’s visit. Viet Nam acknowledged Ireland’s provision of 325 post-graduate scholarships provided to Vietnamese students since 2007.

On cooperation on trade, investment, development and other potential areas

10. The two leaders welcomed the significant and growing trade relationship between Viet Nam and Ireland. They reaffirmed the importance of the full implementation of the EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and discussed the value of the Viet Nam - EU Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), which will contribute to favorable trade and investment conditions between both countries. The two sides acknowledged the significant investments Irish enterprises have made in Viet Nam and noted that a number of business-to-business agreements will be signed during General Secretary, President Tȏ Lȃm’s visit. The leaders welcomed the agreement on a Memorandum of Understanding on economic and trade cooperation between the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Viet Nam and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment of Ireland.

11. General Secretary, President Tȏ Lȃm thanked the Irish Government for its development cooperation programme, which has supported Viet Nam in achieving many development goals ahead of schedule. The Taoiseach confirmed Ireland’s continued support in areas including climate resilience, livelihoods, humanitarian mine action, nutrition, higher education and governance.

12. Viet Nam greatly appreciates Ireland's support in research and technical assistance in the agricultural sector. The leaders welcomed the agreement on a Memorandum of Understanding on sustainable food systems transformation signed between the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Viet Nam and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine of Ireland during this State Visit.

13. Regarding science and technology cooperation, the two sides welcomed potential collaboration in promoting innovation, digital transformation, responding to climate change, training high-quality human resources and other areas of mutual interest.

14. Both sides agreed on the value of cultural and artistic exchanges, tourism promotion and people-to-people contacts, aiming to strengthen mutual understanding, and foster friendship between the people of the two countries.

On international and regional issues

15. Both sides committed to enhancing coordination and mutual support at international and regional fora, especially the United Nations and the ASEAN-EU framework. The two sides supported a united, strong and prosperous ASEAN community that plays a central role in regional architecture and strengthens the ASEAN – EU Strategic Partnership.

16. The two sides reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security, and freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea, and the importance of resolving disputes by peaceful means, and in accordance with international law, in particular UNCLOS 1982. The two sides emphasised the need to establish a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and international law. They highlighted the principles of respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all States. The leaders discussed the situation in Gaza, called for an immediate ceasefire and hostage release deal, and underlined the need for dramatic scaling up of humanitarian assistance.

17. The two leaders acknowledged the significant contributions of Ireland and Viet Nam to United Nations Peacekeeping Operations and agreed to explore opportunities for future cooperation and experience sharing.

ENDS