Minister Richmond meets with Deputy Foreign Minister of Viet Nam

Minister Richmond meets with Deputy Foreign Minister of Viet Nam

• From: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

• Published on: 26 March 2026
• Last updated on: 26 March 2026

Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond TD, today met with the Deputy Foreign Minister of Viet Nam, Ms. Le Thi Thu Hang at Iveagh House. Minister Hang is visiting Ireland for the official opening of the Vietnamese Embassy.

Speaking after the meeting, Minister Richmond said: "I was pleased to welcome Deputy Foreign Minister Hang to Iveagh House during a special time for Ireland-Viet Nam relations. 2026 marks 30 years of diplomatic relations with Viet Nam.

"The opening of a resident Embassy of Viet Nam in Dublin following the State Visit by President Tô Lâm in 2024, demonstrates the growing bond between our two countries and our joint commitment to our bilateral relationship.

"During the meeting, we discussed areas of mutual interest including trade, cooperation in culture, sport, and tourism, the unfolding crisis in the Middle East, and Ireland's development programme in Viet Nam.

"Through Irish Aid, Ireland has a long tradition of supporting people in Viet Nam and the wider region. Our work supporting rural communities through agricultural support and mine clearance has a hugely positive impact on people's lives.

"We have many areas of strong collaboration and it is great to see our connection with Viet Nam growing, underlined by today's inauguration of Viet Nam's Embassy to Ireland."

Notes:

• Diplomatic relations between Ireland and Viet Nam were established in 1996. Ireland opened a resident Embassy in Ha Noi in 2005, which is also accredited to Cambodia and Laos. Viet Nam opened a resident Embassy in Dublin in May 2025, following the State Visit by then- President Tô Lâm in 2024.
• Ireland's total trade with Viet Nam in 2024 amounted to €4 billion. A Free Trade Agreement between the EU and Viet Nam entered into force on 1 August 2020, eliminating tariffs on 65% of goods exported from the EU to Viet Nam, increasing to 99% over a seven-year period.
• Ireland's main exports to Viet Nam include medical and pharmaceutical products, food, electrical machinery, and data processing machines. The majority of imports from Viet Nam are data processing machines and telecommunications equipment, sound equipment, footwear, and clothing. In January 2026, Viet Nam approved market access for Irish beef.
• The Embassy Ha Noi 2023-2027 Mission Strategy covers Viet Nam, Cambodia and Laos, with a five-year indicative budget of €47 million. Of this, support to Viet Nam in 2026 amounts to €2.5 million.