During the talks, Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung reaffirmed that Vietnam attaches great importance to its traditional friendship with Greece. He emphasized that the relationship between the two countries has been nurtured on the foundation of close ties between their peoples, with Hero of the People's Armed Forces Kostas Sarantidis (Nguyen Van Lap) standing as a distinguished symbol of Vietnam - Greece solidarity and friendship.

Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung welcomes Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis. (Photo: An Dang/VNA).

To further advance bilateral relations in a substantive and effective manner, Minister Le Hoai Trung proposed that the two countries continue to strengthen exchanges of delegations at all levels, particularly at the high level; enhance coordination and mutual support in multilateral forums and international organizations, especially during Greece’s tenure as a non‑permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for 2025 - 2026.

He emphasized the need to make full use of existing cooperation mechanisms, foster connections between business communities, and expand collaboration in areas of high potential such as maritime transport, logistics, renewable energy, culture, tourism, science and technology, and innovation. Minister Le Hoai Trung also urged the early finalization of cooperation documents and agreements to establish a solid legal framework for promoting trade in maritime transport and labor, while preventing double taxation.

On cooperation between Vietnam and the European Union (EU), Minister Le Hoai Trung expressed appreciation for Greece’s positive assessment of Vietnam’s efforts to address the IUU “yellow card” on seafood exports, and requested Greece’s continued advocacy for the European Commission to lift the warning soon. He also voiced hope that Greece would encourage other EU member states to ratify the Vietnam - EU Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) at the earliest opportunity.

Welcoming the plan to organize a delegation of Greek businesses to Vietnam to explore market opportunities and investment prospects, Minister Le Hoai Trung affirmed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stands ready to provide support to ensure the visit yields positive outcomes.

On the Greek side, Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis commended Vietnam’s socio‑economic achievements and its growing role in the international arena. He affirmed Greece’s readiness to serve as a bridge for Vietnam to Europe and expressed his desire to further strengthen bilateral cooperation within the framework of Greece’s Asia ‑ Pacific policy.

The two ministers agreed to continue leveraging the coordinating role of their respective foreign ministries, ensure effective implementation of cooperation initiatives, and maintain regular mechanisms for exchange and consultation. Minister Gerapetritis thanked Vietnam for opening its market to Greek kiwifruit and suggested that both sides explore agreements to facilitate access for other signature Greek products.

The Greek side also confirmed its readiness to promote connectivity between localities, sign cooperation documents, launch direct flights between Vietnam and Greece, and expand collaboration in maritime affairs, port development, science and technology. Greece further expressed interest in exploring joint ventures in shipbuilding. At the same time, Greece pledged to facilitate favorable living and working conditions for the Vietnamese community in the country, recognizing their important role as a bridge for bilateral relations.