Vietnam Opens Embassy in Ireland on the Occasion of the 30th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations

In recent years, Vietnam–Ireland relations have witnessed many positive developments, particularly following high-level visits and the strengthening of cooperation across multiple fields. Both countries consider the opening of the embassy as contributing to the consolidation of political trust and the expansion of comprehensive cooperation. Vietnam’s establishment of its first permanent diplomatic mission in this country demonstrates its determination to enhance its presence in Europe in general and in Ireland in particular, while also creating new opportunities for cooperation.

Previously, during high-level meetings, leaders of both countries affirmed that the establishment of the Embassy would “play a crucial role in further deepening the cooperative and friendly relations between Vietnam and Ireland.”

The Vietnamese side emphasized its regard for developing a multifaceted friendship and cooperation with Ireland, while also expecting that the new diplomatic mission will help strengthen connections and expand cooperation in priority areas such as the economy, education, innovation, and sustainable development.

In terms of the economy, Ireland is currently one of Vietnam’s important partners within the European Union (EU), with bilateral trade reaching approximately 3.5 billion USD in 2024 and a target of increasing to 5 billion USD by 2026. The two countries are also promoting cooperation in areas such as high technology, sustainable agriculture, and climate change response—sectors considered pillars in the new development phase.

The opening ceremony took place in the context of the two countries approaching the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2026. The event was attended by leaders of both countries, representatives from various ministries, agencies, and the Irish Parliament, foreign diplomatic missions, major partners and businesses, as well as Ireland-based friends of Vietnam. The event also reflected the Party and State’s attention to the Vietnamese community in Ireland.

Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang emphasized that the Opening of the Vietnamese Embassy in Ireland is an important milestone, taking place precisely in the year the two countries celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations (1996–2026). The event also ushers in a new chapter in Vietnam–Ireland relations, while affirming Vietnam’s strong commitment to promoting comprehensive cooperation with Ireland, spanning politics, trade, education, science and technology, as well as culture and people-to-people exchanges.

Ireland’s Minister of State Neale Richmond, responsible for International Development and the Irish Abroad, expressed his pleasure at the strong growth of bilateral relations. He emphasized that the opening of the embassy is a clear demonstration of the increasingly close relationship following General Secretary To Lam’s visit, as well as a shared commitment to promoting cooperation across various sectors.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Ireland Pham Toan Thang stated that the embassy will expand its diplomatic activities, support business and educational connections, and serve the Vietnamese community more effectively and practically.