Promoting peaceful and sustainable ocean cooperation

At the invitation of United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, French President Emmanuel Macron, Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal, and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, together with his spouse and a high-level Vietnamese delegation, will attend the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC 3) and conduct bilateral activities in France, followed by official visits to Estonia and Sweden from June 5 to 14.

At a press briefing on June 4, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang emphasized that the Prime Minister’s trip is a concrete step in implementing the foreign policy direction set out at the 13th National Party Congress—marked by independence, self-reliance, multilateralization, diversification, proactive and active international integration that is comprehensive, extensive, and effective. The visit is also a key foreign affairs activity in advancing Resolution No. 59 on international integration in the new context.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang. Photo: VGP.

This marks Prime Minister Chinh’s first visit to France since the two countries elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in October 2024. It is also the first visit to Sweden by a Vietnamese Prime Minister in six years and the first-ever visit to Estonia by a top Vietnamese leader since diplomatic relations were established in 1992.

Given today’s rapidly evolving global and regional landscape, the visit conveys three overarching messages:

First, Vietnam will reaffirm its commitment to peace, stability, cooperation, and development. Bilaterally, the trip provides an opportunity to deepen ties with France, Sweden, and Estonia—European nations that hold significant positions globally and regionally. France is now a comprehensive strategic partner, while Sweden and Estonia remain longstanding friends with multifaceted cooperation with Vietnam.

Second, the visit signals to the international community Vietnam’s aspirations for development and its determination to attract international resources to fuel national growth in the new era. “We all know France is strong in telecommunications, aerospace, renewable energy, manufacturing, and high-speed rail,” Deputy Minister Hang noted.

Third, from a multilateral perspective, the Prime Minister’s participation in the 3rd UN Ocean Conference, under the theme “Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean”., affirms Vietnam’s position as a reliable partner and a responsible, active member of the international community—working together for a prosperous and sustainable future.

According to Deputy Minister Hang, Prime Minister Chinh will deliver a keynote address representing ASEAN, reiterating the bloc’s consistent stance on multilateralism and international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), in tackling global ocean challenges.

The Prime Minister is also expected to share Vietnam’s strong measures to implement Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14) on the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources.

Strengthening comprehensive cooperation with the EU

Importantly, the visit comes at a time when Vietnam's relations with key EU partners continue to flourish with positive momentum.

Following the elevation of ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during General Secretary To Lam’s official visit to France in October 2024, France became the first EU nation to reach the highest level of cooperation with Vietnam. French President Emmanuel Macron’s upcoming state visit to Vietnam in late May 2025 further demonstrates growing political trust and deepening bilateral ties, with economic and trade cooperation remaining a key pillar.

Sweden and Estonia, as traditional and close partners, maintain strong multi-sectoral cooperation with Vietnam. Sweden, in particular, was among the first Western countries to support Vietnam’s struggle for national independence and unification. It remains Vietnam’s largest donor in Northwestern Europe, with non-refundable aid since 1967 totaling over USD 3 billion, primarily focused on health, economic and administrative reforms, and institutional building.

UNOC 3 is a milestone event guiding the final implementation phase of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 14. However, in light of mounting ocean threats from climate change, acidification, plastic pollution, and ongoing challenges in realizing SDG 14, Prime Minister Chinh’s participation signals Vietnam’s robust commitment as a responsible international partner. The visit will reaffirm the importance of multilateralism, the role of the United Nations, and adherence to international law.

Particularly, Vietnam continues to uphold the 1982 UNCLOS as the legal framework for resolving ocean-related issues, reinforcing its image as an active, responsible nation ready to foster cooperation and partnerships for a peaceful, stable, sustainable, and prosperous blue ocean—aligned with the goals of the upcoming conference.