On February 27, at the Government Headquarters, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh received Portuguese Minister of State and Minister of Foreign Affairs Paulo Rangel, who is on a visit to Vietnam.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh receives Portuguese Minister of State and Minister of Foreign Affairs Paulo Rangel. Photo: VGP

The Prime Minister welcomed the visit, emphasizing its importance in materializing commitments made by the two countries’ high-level leaders and opening new directions for more substantive and effective cooperation. He affirmed that Vietnam values and desires to strengthen its friendship and multifaceted cooperation with Portugal.

Given the vast potential for collaboration, the Prime Minister suggested both sides consolidate political trust and increase delegation exchanges at all levels, especially high-level ones, to elevate the relationship in the new context. Highlighting the complementary nature of the two economies, he proposed promoting economy, trade, and investment as key pillars and early researching the establishment of bilateral cooperation mechanisms.

Regarding priority areas, the Prime Minister requested boosting renewable energy cooperation based on shared risks and harmonized interests, encouraging Portuguese enterprises to participate in offshore wind, solar power, and energy infrastructure projects in Vietnam. He also urged strengthening cooperation in the marine economy, maritime affairs, seaports, shipbuilding, and logistics in line with each country's sea development strategy.

The Prime Minister suggested coordinating to effectively leverage Free Trade Agreements between Vietnam and the EU, supporting the acceleration of the remaining EU member states’ ratification of the Vietnam-EU Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA). He also called for increased exchanges in digital transformation, innovation, healthcare, sports, education, and training, particularly Portuguese language teaching, while facilitating travel through visa exemptions for citizens of both nations.

For his part, Minister Paulo Rangel thanked the Prime Minister for the reception and congratulated Vietnam on the outcomes of the 14th National Party Congress and its development achievements. He highly appreciated Vietnam upgrading its relations with the EU to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, affirming that Portugal considers Vietnam a key partner in Southeast Asia and wishes to deepen multifaceted cooperation.

Both sides agreed to increase delegation exchanges and business connectivity, aiming for a trade turnover of USD 1 billion as agreed upon by high-level leaders. They also pledged to coordinate closely at multilateral forums, supporting multilateralism and respect for international law.