Deputy FM’s visit seeks to deepen ties with Sweden
Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang reaffirmed Vietnam’s dedication to consolidating and developing friendship and comprehensive cooperation with Sweden, expressing sincere gratitude to the Swedish Government and people for their invaluable support during Vietnam’s past struggle for independence and in its ongoing development and global integration.
Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang (R) and Swedish State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Dag Hartelius (Photo: baoquocte.vn)
Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang concluded a two-day working trip to Sweden on May 21, ai💙med at advancing bilateral ties across a wide range of areas.
While in Sweden, Hang held working sessions with Swedish State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Dag Hartelius, Director General for Trade Policy Camilla Melander, Director General for Global Affairs Mikael Lindvall, and head of the Swedish Parliament’s International Department Anna-Karin Hedström.
During these meetings, she reaffirmed Vietnam’s dedication to consolidating and developing friendship and comprehensive cooperation with Sweden, expressing sincere gratitude to the Swedish Government and people for their invaluable support during Vietnam’s past struggle for independence and in its ongoing development and global integration.
A working session as part of Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang's visit to Sweden (Photo: baoquocte.vn)
Hailing Sweden as one of Vietnam’s key partners in Northern Europe, she said bilateral ties have been growing steadily across economy, trade, investment, education and training, and people-to-people exchange.
To further deepen ties, the official proposed enhancing the exchange of all-level delegations, especially those at high level, while bolstering cooperation through Party, State, parliamentary, and government channels to build greater political trust and create momentum for deeper collaboration.
Hartelius, for his part, praised Vietnam’s impressive socio-economic progress and reaffirmed Sweden’s wish to continue fostering a strong partnership built on already solid foundations.
He expressed hope for expanded bilateral ties, especially between the two foreign ministries, and stressed the importance of boosting trade and investment ties. Shared priorities, he noted, include advancing sci-tech, innovation, digital transformation, culture, education-training, and national defence-security./.
The Vietnamese Government and people always remember and value Sweden’s sincere and invaluable support during the country’s past struggle for independence and in its current process of development and global integration, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said.
Thang noted that as Vietnam is streamlining its political system, the Party and Government are keen on studying international models of public administration, including Sweden’s. Thus, the HCMA wants to boost collaboration with the Swedish side on administrative reform and public governance against the backdrop of digital transformation.
The Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences (VASS) organised an international seminar themed “55 Years of Vietnam-Sweden Diplomatic Relations" in Hanoi on December 23, drawing a large number of domestic and foreign experts and scholars.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
The launch of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, even before the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is considered a testament to President Ho Chi Minh’s strategic foresight and strong belief in the guiding power of the revolutionary media.
New Zealand is currently one of Vietnam’s most important partners in the region, marked by a high level of political trust, strong and reliable defence and security cooperation, and increasingly open economic, trade, and investment ties.
Party General Secretary To Lam stressed that the Central Public Security Party Committee must be fully aware of the extremely important role of the People's Public Security force in the country's new revolutionary phase, so as to guide each branch and level of the force as the nation undergoes transformation.
Addressing concerns over university education spending, Son explained that as public universities gain greater autonomy, the Ministry of Finance has scaled back recurrent state funding. “Over the past decade, as autonomy has increased, the State's support has steadily declined”, he noted
Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane affirmed that the presence of Vietnamese press offices in Laos vividly demonstrates the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations, as the press is not only a means of communication but also an important bridge for spreading consciousness about the history, values, and strategic depth of the Laos – Vietnam relationship to the people of both countries and the international community.
The country is willing to participate in collective efforts to promote cooperation and mobilise resources to advance the current priority issues of developing countries, such as trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, making the most of scientific and technological advances for development, and people-to-people exchanges, Hang said.
During the negotiations, the US highly evaluated Vietnam’s goodwill and efforts, affirmed its appreciation for the bilateral relationship, acknowledged Vietnam’s proposals and concerns, and considered these an important basis for continuing discussions and moving towards a final agreement.
The Chairman stressed the need for stricter fiscal discipline, faster digital transformation, and more efficient management of State budget revenues and expenditures.
The ministry has instructed Vietnamese representative agencies in Israel, Iran, as well as those in neighbouring countries, to closely monitor the situation and request local authorities to ensure absolute safety for Vietnamese citizens living, studying, and working in high-risk areas.
Senior Vietnamese leaders on June 19 sent letters of congratulations to New Zealand leaders on the occasion of the 50th founding anniversary of Vietnam – New Zealand diplomatic relations (June 19, 1975 – 2025).
The Party chief attributed the achievements in the first half to the continuous, direct, and comprehensive leadership of the Politburo and the Secretariat of the Party Central Committee, and the close and effective coordination of relevant ministries, sectors and localities.
General Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chief of the VPA’s General Staff and Deputy Minister of National Defence reaffirmed Vietnam’s unwavering gratitude for Cuba’s invaluable support during its struggle for independence and nation-building efforts, and pledged to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Cuba as it navigates current challenges.
Vietnam is a country with which Russia shares a special relationship. In the 1950s and 60s, particularly during Vietnam’s struggle for independence, the two countries forged a deep bond. While much has changed over time, the friendship and cooperation between our nations have endured, said Russian President Vladimir Putin.
For 50 years, Vietnam and New Zealand have worked together to uphold peace and prosperity for their peoples and the region. The friendship, cooperation, and mutual understanding Vietnam and New Zealand nurtured have grown from a seed into a deeply rooted, strong, and thriving tree, she stressed.