Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc thanked Danish Ambassador to Vietnam Charlotte Laursen for her important contributions to the two countries’ relations while receiving the outgoing diplomat in Hanoi on December 20.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) receives Danish Ambassador Charlotte Laursen on December 20

Congratulating the ambassador on fulfilling her tasks, PM Phuc noted with satisfaction the progress in the Vietnam-Denmark comprehensive partnership in all priority areas, which was greatly contributed by Ambassador Laursen.

Bilateral trade is developing positively, surpassing 600 million USD in 2016, he noted, adding that the countries are also promoting cooperation in culture, health care, education, and energy, including wind power – a field that Denmark has strength in.

To help boost Vietnam’s connections with Denmark and the EU, he asked Denmark to push for the early signing of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement.

He also thanked the Danish Government for creating favourable conditions for Vietnamese people in the country, which has also contributed to the sound relationship.

Although a number of encouraging cooperation outcomes have been reaped, they haven’t been on par with potential, the PM said, expressing his hope that the two sides will expand cooperation in many spheres, especially the fields that Denmark is strong at and Vietnam has demand in.

He suggested that the countries organise regular mutual visits, especially at high levels, to foster bilateral cooperation.

PM Phuc said he hopes with her experience, the ambassador will continue to support Vietnam-Denmark relations. He reiterated that Vietnam treasures ties with Denmark, an important partner of the country in North Europe.

For her part, Ambassador Laursen thanked PM Phuc, the Vietnamese Government, ministries and sectors for providing favourable conditions for her to fulfill tasks during her second term in Vietnam. She also expressed her delight at Vietnam’s socio-economic development and the thriving bilateral relations, including the establishment of a comprehensive partnership. 

She noted that bilateral trade is growing well and about 130 Danish companies are now present in Vietnam. Danish businesses are strong in various fields, and many of them want to engage in trade and retail activities in Vietnam.

The ambassador said Vietnam is facing challenges in some sectors, which are the spheres Denmark has strength in such as green growth, environment, energy, and food. The diplomat said she hopes the two countries will promote affiliation in the coming time. Meanwhile, the cooperation in energy should be expanded to businesses, aside from their ministries and sectors.

Laursen also highlighted collaboration opportunities in labour, culture, health care, and education.

She pledged to continue supporting Vietnam-Denmark relations in the future.-VNA