These meetings, which included discussions on trade agreements, mutual investments, and cultural exchanges, underscored Vietnam's strategic diplomatic efforts to enhance its role on the global stage and promote sustainable development partnerships.

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General Secretary and President To Lam meets with Bulgarian President Rumen Radev. Photo: VNA

On September 24 in New York, USA, General Secretary and President To Lam held meetings with Bulgarian President Rumen Radev, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah.

During his meeting with President Rumen Radev, General Secretary and President To Lam emphasized Vietnam’s commitment to enhancing its multifaceted cooperation with Bulgaria. He expressed appreciation for Bulgaria's historical support for Vietnam, both during its past independence struggles and in its current national development.

General Secretary and President To Lam welcomed President Radev's upcoming visit to Vietnam and suggested further support for the Vietnamese community in Bulgaria to integrate successfully into local society, serving as a bridge to strengthen bilateral relations.

The leaders agreed to effectively utilize the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) to enhance bilateral relations in line with the potential of both countries.

They also discussed the importance of Bulgaria advocating for the EU's rapid ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) and for lifting the "yellow card" restrictions on Vietnamese seafood exports due to IUU fishing concerns.

President Radev acknowledged the proposals and affirmed the importance of relations with Vietnam, expressing his anticipation for his visit to the country.

Bulgaria committed to enhancing cooperation with Vietnam in sectors where Bulgaria has strengths such as healthcare, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, information technology, agriculture, environmental management, and natural resources management. Bulgaria is also open to receiving Vietnamese workers.

The two sides agreed to organize cultural and artistic activities to commemorate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2025.

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General Secretary and President To Lam meets Finnish President Alexander Stubb. Photo: VNA

In his meeting with Finnish President Alexander Stubb, General Secretary and President To Lam affirmed Vietnam's value on developing traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation with Finland.

He thanked Finland for its support during Vietnam’s difficult times and for the condolences and encouragement to overcome the effects of Typhoon Yagi.

General Secretary and President To Lam appreciated Finland's ratification of the EVIPA, opening new cooperation opportunities for businesses from both countries.

He suggested continuing to maintain and promote high-level exchanges and enhance the effectiveness of bilateral cooperation mechanisms, bolster cooperation in education, training, and cultural exchanges to deepen mutual understanding and consolidate the friendship between the people of the two nations.

He also highlighted the importance of supporting legitimate rights and interests in the East Sea in accordance with international law, particularly the UNCLOS 1982.

President Stubb appreciated the positive developments in bilateral relations and confirmed Finland's priority to strengthen cooperation with Vietnam. He encouraged Finnish businesses to invest in potential sectors in Vietnam such as telecommunications, renewable energy, water treatment, forestry technology, and information technology. He also hoped Vietnam would continue to act as a bridge to boost Finland-ASEAN relations.

The leaders agreed to closely coordinate to maximize the opportunities provided by the EVIPA and to continue strengthening cooperation and mutual support in multilateral forums, especially at the United Nations and within the ASEAN-EU framework.

During their meeting, both sides discussed various international and regional issues of mutual interest. President Stubb cordially invited General Secretary and President To Lam to visit Finland soon.

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General Secretary and President To Lam meets Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah. Photo: VNA

In his meeting with Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah, General Secretary and President To Lam reiterated Vietnam's interest in promoting a good friendship and multifaceted cooperation with Kuwait.

The Crown Prince praised Vietnam’s socio-economic achievements since the Doi Moi (Renovation) and affirmed Kuwait’s view of Vietnam as a leading partner in Southeast Asia.

He expressed readiness to expand cooperation in tourism, labor, and Halal food sectors and supported enhancing Vietnam's cooperation with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

The leaders agreed to collaborate on addressing the challenges at the Nghi Son Refinery and Petrochemical project, which symbolizes the success of bilateral relations.

On this occasion, General Secretary and President To Lam invited the Crown Prince and conveyed an invitation to the King of Kuwait to visit Vietnam at a suitable time, which the Crown Prince gladly accepted.

Tran Thuong