Late Swedish Prime Minister Olof Palme - A Great Friend of Vietnam

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Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on June 12 (local time) visited the family of the late Swedish Prime Minister Olof Palme as part of his tour to Sweden. Accompanying the Prime Minister was Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son, VGP reported.

Together with the family of the three sons of the late Swedish Prime Minister Olof Palme, viewing photos and memorabilia of him, including photos of him holding a torch to march against the American war, supporting Vietnam, and reviewing the good history of Vietnam - Sweden relations, the Prime Minister, his spouse and everyone took a moment to remember the late Prime Minister and his spouse.

The family of the sons of the late Prime Minister Olof Palme was moved and delighted to welcome Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his wife; saying that continuing the tradition, the family always has good feelings and strong support for the country and people of Vietnam. Photo: VGP

Prime Minister Pham expressed deep respect and gratitude to Olof Palme — describing him as a great, loyal, and close friend of the Vietnamese people. He recalled the late Prime Minister's significant contributions to the anti-war movement in Vietnam from the 1960s until the country's reunification in 1975.

After the war ended, during the difficult period of national recovery and reconstruction, Sweden once again stood side by side with Vietnam, under the leadership of the late Prime Minister Olof Palme. Pham noted that Sweden provided approximately USD 3 billion in non-refundable aid to Vietnam — the highest amount among Northern European nations. Outstanding projects financed by Sweden included the Bai Bang Paper Mill, National Children's Hospital, and Uong Bi Hospital, as well as training programs for Vietnamese officials, experts, doctors, and engineers. Those continues to contribute to the nation today. For example, the National Children's Hospital has saved the lives of many children who later grew up and contributed to the country and society.

According to the Vietnamese Prime Minister, these are symbolic works for the relationship between the two countries and will live forever, but an even greater symbol is the symbol of opposing war and supporting peace for Vietnam.

In 1968, Swedish Prime Minister Olof Palme participated in a protest against the American War in Vietnam, holding a torch alongside Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Tho Chan. This action, organized by the Swedish Committee for Vietnam, drew strong criticism from the US, leading to the recall of the American ambassador to Sweden.

Today, Vietnam has diplomatic relations with nearly 200 countries, established Comprehensive Partnership, Strategic Partnership, Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with more than 30 countries; but during the fierce and arduous war years, without courage and mettle, it would not have been possible to do what the late Prime Minister Olof Palme did - who publicly expressed his support for the just struggle of the Vietnamese people - a country invaded, devastated, and ruined by war.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, his wife and members of the delegation, along with the families of the three sons of the late Prime Minister Olof Palme, reviewed photos and memorabilia of him, including photos of him holding a torch to march against the war, supporting Vietnam, and reviewed the good history of Vietnam - Sweden relations. Photo: VGP

He also hailed Olof Palme's legacy, highlighting his contributions not only to Sweden's progress but also to global peace, cooperation, and development.

On this occasion, Prime Minister Pham thanked the late leader's family for preserving his legacy and the shared values that continue to serve as a strong bridge of friendship between Vietnam and Sweden. He extended an invitation to them to visit Vietnam again and witness firsthand the projects associated with Olof Palme's enduring legacy.

For their part, members of the late Prime Minister Olof Palme's family sincerely thanked Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and the delegation for their sentiments; and said that continuing the tradition, the family always has good feelings and strong support for the country and people of Vietnam.

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