PM Phuc, who is on an official visit to Sweden from May 26-28, also expressed his delight at visiting the European country on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties.

He affirmed that the Vietnamese people always remember the precious support by the Swedish people during the anti-American war, as well as in its current national development and global integration.

Loefven, for his part, said the visit will create a new driving force for bilateral ties, adding that the Swedish government considers Vietnam an important partner in the region.

The two PMs shared view that Vietnam-Sweden ties have thrived in diverse areas at many levels over the past few years, thus tapping each side’s strengths. In particular, the visit to Vietnam by Crown Princess of Sweden Victoria on May 6-8 has contributed to cementing friendship and mutual understanding between the two nations.

They agreed to facilitate all-level visits and continue effectively implementing bilateral cooperation mechanisms.

As bilateral trade-investment ties have yet to match the two nations’ potential, the Vietnamese PM asked the Swedish government to encourage firms to enhance 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 vowed to increase bilateral partnership in innovation, smart urban development, environment, artificial intelligence, information and communications, and healthcare.

Host and guest welcomed the organisation of the Vietnam-Sweden Business Forum in Stockholm during the visit, and affirmed the importance of promoting connectivity among businesses following the Vietnam-Sweden Business Summit held in Hanoi during Crown Princess Victoria’s visit.

The Vietnamese PM asked Sweden to support the Vietnam-European Union (EU) comprehensive partnership. The two PMs promised to work closely together to step up the signing of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement and the EU - Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement in the coming weeks to bring benefits to both sides.

On the occasion, the Swedish government leader presented a letter of intent on an investment credit worth over 2 billion USD in Vietnam to his guest.

The host also spoke highly of 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 boost liaisons at regional and global forums such as the United Nations, the Asia-Europe Meeting, the ASEAN-EU cooperation, as well as join common 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 line with international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Loefven also accepted Phuc’s invitation to visit Vietnam with great pleasure.

Prime Minister meets Swedish diplomats, experts

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc met Swedish diplomats, experts and friends in Stockholm on May 27, as part of his ongoing Sweden visit on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties.

The meeting saw the presence of Birgitta Dahl, former Speaker of the Parliament, Anders Forsberg, former Secretary General of the Parliament, the present and former ambassadors of Sweden to Vietnam, and two sons of late Prime Minister Olof Palme, who is a great friend of Vietnamese people, among others.

The PM recalled the history five decades ago when people across five continents took to streets to go on parade in support of Vietnam’s justice cause. Sweden was the first western country to establish diplomatic ties with Vietnam, adding that its precious material and spiritual support has encouraged the Vietnamese people to reap more victories.

He said many works funded by Sweden such as Bai Bang paper mill, Vietnam National Children’s Hospital, Uong Bi hospital have become symbols of Vietnam – Sweden ties. Support by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) has helped Vietnam achieve the United Nations Millennial Development Goals and become a lower middle-income country towards gradual modernisation.

Speaking highly of progress in bilateral ties across economy, trade and investment, the PM informed participants about the success of his talks with Swedish counterpart Stefan Löfven, saying that both sides agreed on measures to continue lifting bilateral ties to a greater height.

The Vietnamese leader believed that bilateral connectivity will contribute to boosting trade and investment links and welcome opportunities brought about by the upcoming European Union – Vietnam Free Trade Agreement.

He also took the occasion to thank the Swedish government, businesses and friends for their support to the development of Vietnam – EU ties.

The growing Vietnam – Sweden friendship is partly attributable to generations of Swedish friends, he stated.

Swedish friends expressed their delight at regular bilateral visits over the past years, citing the recent Vietnam visit by Crown Princess Victoria Ingrid Alice Desiree and the ongoing visit by the PM.

They vowed to forever maintain and uphold bilateral long-standing friendship founded and fostered by generations of the two countries’ leaders and people.

VNA