Vietnam greatly values time-honoured friendship with Sweden
VOV.VN - Vietnam always treasures its traditional friendship with Sweden and desires to propel bilateral ties forward in multiple fields, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said during talks with his Swedish counterpart Stefan Loefven in Stockholm on May 27.
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| Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (L) has talks with his Swedish counterpart Stefan Loefven. |
He affirmed that the Vietnamese people always bear in mind the valuable support by the Swedish people during the anti-American war, as well as in its current national development and global integration.
In reply, Loefven said the visit will add fresh impetus to boosting bilateral ties, adding that the Swedish government regards Vietnam as an important partner in the region.
The two PMs agreed that Vietnam-Sweden relations have grown steadily in a wide range of fields over the past few years, thereby tapping into each side’s strengths. Notably, the visit to Vietnam by Crown Princess of Sweden Victoria on May 6-8 contributed to deepening friendship and mutual understanding between the two countries.
They consented to facilitate all-level exchange visits and continue effectively carrying out bilateral cooperation mechanisms.
As bilateral trade-investment ties are still far from matching the two nations’ potential, PM Phuc asked the Swedish government to incentivize enterprises to intensify investment in Vietnam in fields of their strength, such as manufacturing, chemicals, electronics, information and communications, forest plantation, sustainable wood processing, waste treatment, pharmaceuticals, and the support industry for automobiles.
They also pledged to promote bilateral partnership in innovation, smart urban development, environment, artificial intelligence, information and communications, and healthcare.
The two PMs hailed the organization of the Vietnam-Sweden Business Forum in Stockholm during the visit, and underlined the importance of promoting connectivity among businesses following the Vietnam-Sweden Business Summit held in Hanoi during Crown Princess Victoria’s visit.
PM Phuc asked Sweden to support the Vietnam-European Union (EU) comprehensive partnership.
Host and guest vowed to work hand in hand to accelerate the signing of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement and the EU - Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement in the coming weeks to deliver benefits to both sides.
On the occasion, Stefan Loefven presented a letter of intent on an investment credit worth more than US$2 billion in Vietnam to his guest.
He also applauded the Vietnamese community’s contributions to prosperity and cultural diversity in Sweden as well as the promotion of bilateral trade and investment.
The two sides pledged to enhance liaisons at regional and global forums such as the United Nations, the Asia-Europe Meeting, the ASEAN-EU cooperation, as well as join combined efforts to cope with global issues, climate change, and ensure sustainable development.
They reached a consensus on the importance of the settlement of disputes by peaceful means, ensuring navigation and aviation freedom in accordance with international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
PM Phuc invited Loefven to visit Vietnam and his invitation was graciously accepted.