Vietnam, Sweden seek to step up cooperation

Vice President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh (front, right) welcomes Crown Princess of Sweden Victoria Ingrid Alice Désiree before their talks in Hanoi on May 6. (Photo: VNA)

Crown Princess Victoria Ingrid Alice Désiree and her spouse are in Vietnam for an official visit from May 6-8 at the invitation of Vice President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh.

Vice President Thinh said the visit is an important event in an array of activities to mark the 50th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic ties (1969 - 2019).

Host and guest reviewed bilateral cooperation and agreed that it has been expanded beyond politics-diplomacy and trade-investment to culture-education, bringing lots of benefits to their people. They asserted their determination to develop it efficiently.

Thinh suggested the two sides continue to maintain the exchange of high-level visits to help create a strong driving force for the bilateral cooperation to grow in various fields.

She relayed the regards and invitation to visit Vietnam from Party General Secretary and State President Nguyen Phu Trong to the King and Queen of Sweden.

Crown Princess Victoria spoke highly of Vietnam’s socio-economic development and international integration achievements, affirming that Sweden places importance to developing its cooperative ties with Vietnam, a country having an important position in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The two sides agreed to work together to help their businesses to seek more investment and business partnerships, especially in the processing and support industries, science-technology, education-training, healthcare, the environment, smart urban construction, and information-communications.

Thinh asked Sweden to continue having a strong voice supporting the settlement of disputes by peaceful means based on international law to maintain peace, security, and navigation freedom and safety in the East Sea.

She also asked Sweden to back Vietnam’s run for a non-permanent member seat at the United Nations Security Council for the 2020-2021 term.

She proposed Sweden continue giving care and providing favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community to live, do business, and integrate into the host society, thus contributing to boosting the bilateral ties.

Late on the day, Vice President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh and her spouse hosted a banquet for Crown Princess Victoria Ingrid Alice Désiree and her spouse and entourage./.

VNF/VNA