The three keywords 'cooperation, coordination and connection'

The forum, held on May 13, was co-chaired by Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom and Vice President and High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Commission Josep Borrell, with the participation of 27 Foreign Ministers/Heads of Delegations from the EU and 26 countries in the Indo- Pacific region, representatives of several international organizations and other partners.

Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang led the Vietnamese delegation to attend the Forum.

This is an opportunity for EU Foreign Ministers and countries in the Indo- Pacific region to share and assess opportunities, challenges and prospects for cooperation between the two regions. From there, they will propose ideas and solutions to strengthen connectivity and promote coordination between the two regions in solving common world issues.

The three main topics discussed at this year's Forum include promoting sustainable and inclusive prosperity; seizing green growth opportunities and overcoming global challenges; and the changing security landscape in the Indo-Pacific.

Speaking at the Forum, Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang said the global economy is at a key transition point, from quantity-based growth to quality growth, from a resource-based economy to a knowledge-based economy.

In the process of cooperation and transformation and jointly dealing with global challenges, with the three keywords “cooperation, coordination and connection”, countries need to have an appropriate approach to overcome differences, meet the needs of all parties, and create a favorable environment for businesses and people.

From Vietnam's experience in economic development and international integration, the Deputy Minister emphasized three "balanced" factors that need to be ensured.

First, balancing obligations and capabilities; accordingly, the common goal can only be achieved when implementation measures are adjusted to suit the conditions and development levels of countries.

Second, balance between autonomy, self-reliance and openness, integration and economic linkage. Domestic industrial policies should not increase protection and close markets, but should create more opportunities to restructure and innovate regional supply chains.

Third, balance between transformation and stability. Green transformation and digital transformation must ensure financial sustainability and social stability, energy security and food security.

Ms. Le Thi Thu Hang with representatives of the host country and the EU

During her time attending the Forum, Ms. Le Thi Thu Hang had meetings with Swedish Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Jan Knutsson, Secretary General of the European External Action Service (EEAS) Stefano Sannino, Portuguese Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Francisco André, Mozambique Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Manuel José Gonçalves, and Thailand Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijavat Isarabhakdi.

At these meetings, Vietnam and the countries agreed to continue to maintain close cooperation and support each other at multilateral forums; discuss global and regional situations of mutual concern; and share views on maintaining peace, stability, security, safety, freedom of navigation and aviation in the region, including the East Sea.

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