Hanoi: The EU and Vietnam are set to enhance their relations during a visit by EU leaders to Vietnam this week, as both sides look to strengthen their international partnership in response to trade pressures from U.S. tariffs.

According to Thai News Agency, a European Union (EU) official disclosed that European Council President Antonio Costa, representing EU leaders, is scheduled to visit Vietnam on Thursday. The EU has been preparing to elevate relations with Vietnam to the leadership level, though the visit was previously delayed due to scheduling conflicts. A draft joint statement suggests that this upgraded relationship will foster greater cooperation in research, technology, energy, and key minerals.

Mr. Costa will be the first leader to meet with To Lam since Lam's recent reappointment by the Communist Party to his second term as party secretary on January 23. The upgrade in relations will bring the EU to the same level of partnership with Vietnam as China, the United States, and Russia, aligning with Vietnam's strategy of maintaining a balance of power among major nations. It is, however, seen as a symbolic gesture, with both sides planning more frequent high-level discussions but with no binding agreements.

Historically, the EU has criticized Vietnam for not fully complying with the free trade agreement signed in 2019, accusing Vietnam of using non-tariff trade barriers on EU imports. Despite this, the EU has refrained from taking significant action against Vietnam. Both the EU and Vietnam are under trade pressure from the United States due to President Donald Trump's tariffs, necessitating efforts to expand their number of trading partners.