At the talks (Photo: VNA)
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.
Source: VNA