MP Güler's itinerary in Hanoi commenced with a meeting at the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam (DAV), where she engaged with the leadership and representatives from DAV think tanks. Their discussions covered critical topics, including geopolitical competition in the region, the German-Vietnamese strategic partnership, and the impact of the South China Sea disputes and the war in Ukraine on global security. MP Güler also met with the German Ambassador, Ms. Helga Barth, and the EU Deputy Ambassador, Thomas Wiersing. These meetings served as valuable platforms for discussing Vietnamese domestic, foreign, and security policies, as well as the state of Vietnam’s economic relations with both Germany and the EU. As a rapporteur for Asia in the Defence Committee of the German Bundestag, MP Güler pays close attention to developments in the region. During her visit she underlined Germany’s commitment to protect and safeguard the rules-based international order, including the principles of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
On the following day, MP Güler conducted a series of high-level meetings with key foreign affairs organizations of the Vietnamese government, the National Assembly, and the Vietnam Communist Party Central Committee. During her meetings, discussions focused on the status of Vietnam-Germany relations in various spheres such as politics, economics, education, and culture. A significant highlight was the strategic partnership established in 2011 and the plans for next year to commemorate 50 years of diplomatic relations. Mr. Bui Ha Nam, Director General of the Department for European Affairs, welcomed the German delegation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressing a desire to deepen and elevate the ties between Germany and Vietnam. The meeting at the Vietnam Communist Party Central Committee for External Relations focused on strengthening party-to-party relations, with Deputy Chairman Mr. Truong Quang Hoai Nam optimistic about future contacts with the CDU as a leading party in Germany. In a subsequent meeting, Mr. Don Tuan Phong, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly’s Foreign Affairs Committee, discussed legislative cooperation, parliamentary diplomacy, and new areas for bilateral cooperation.
MP Güler also visited the Goethe-Institut Hanoi, marking a significant event in the cultural and educational exchange between Germany and Vietnam. The highlight of her visit was a special discussion on the role of women in politics, where she shared the stage with Madame Ton Nu Thi Ninh, a renowned Vietnamese diplomat and former Member of the National Assembly of Vietnam. This discussion celebrated the achievements and impacts of influential women in the political and social spheres of both countries. The event was honored by the presence of German Ambassador Helga Margarete Barth, who delivered the opening remarks. During her visit, she observed a German language class, engaging directly with the learners to understand their experiences and motivations. She participated in discussions on pre-integration, transition management, and career navigation to Germany. Additionally, during her time in Hanoi, MP Güler visited the Temple of Literature, a UNESCO World Heritage site of profound historical and cultural importance.
MP Güler's visit also focused on exploring the business environment for German enterprises. She visited several key companies in Hai Duong and Hai Phong provinces, including Harting Company, Deep C Industrial Zone, and the Tesa Factory. These visits provided insights into the operations of German businesses in Vietnam and highlighted the favorable business environment in the country.
Moreover, MP Güler engaged in networking sessions with leaders of the German Business Association, AHK Vietnam, and German Trade and Invest (GTAI). It provided a platform to discuss the current business environment in Vietnam, identify potential areas for investment, and address any challenges faced by German enterprises operating in the country. Germany and Vietnam have a robust and growing economic relationship, strengthened by the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA). This partnership has facilitated trade, attracted European investments, and contributed to Vietnam's economic growth. As of 2024, over 500 German enterprises are active in Vietnam, with investments totaling approximately $3.6 billion, creating around 50,000 jobs.
MP Güler's visit underscored the strong and enduring relationship between Vietnam and Germany, laying the groundwork for further enhancing their strategic partnership as both nations prepare to celebrate their 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties. The visit highlighted Vietnam's strategic importance for EU and German businesses and reinforced bilateral business relations.
