Vietnam - Sweden: 55 years of solidarity and cooperation for a green future

On December 6 in Hanoi, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Embassy of Sweden organized the workshop “55 years of Vietnam-Sweden relations: Achievements and prospects”. The workshop was an opportunity for both sides to review the 55-year cooperation journey, and at the same time orient new cooperation frameworks to expand and deepen bilateral relations.

Speaking at the workshop, Mr. Bui Ha Nam, Director of the European Department (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) said that the Vietnam - Sweden relationship has gone through 55 years of association with many proud achievements. As the first Western country to establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam (in 1969), Sweden has always accompanied Vietnam from the resistance period to the renovation process. The total value of Sweden's non-refundable aid to Vietnam has exceeded 3 billion USD, making a positive contribution to the cause of hunger eradication and poverty reduction, and socio -economic development of Vietnam.

Mr. Bui Ha Nam - Director of the European Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (right) and Mr. Johan Ndisi - Swedish Ambassador to Vietnam, co-chaired the workshop. (Photo: People's Police Newspaper)

Currently, Sweden is one of Vietnam's 10 major trading partners in the European Union (EU) with large investment projects. In 2023, bilateral trade turnover reached nearly 1.3 billion USD; in the first 9 months of 2024, it reached 1.07 billion USD (an increase of 11.5% over the same period in 2023).

In addition, Sweden ranks 29th out of 43 countries and territories investing in Vietnam with 111 valid projects and a total registered capital of 743.39 million USD. In the opposite direction, Vietnam also has an investment project in Sweden worth 5.2 million USD.

Besides, cooperation activities in science and technology, education and training, cultural exchange, and people-to-people diplomacy have also been continuously enhanced, thereby enhancing mutual understanding and strengthening friendship between the two countries.

Swedish Ambassador to Vietnam Johan Ndisi expressed his joy at the effective cooperation between the two countries. He affirmed that political trust and strong friendship are the foundation for the two sides to promote extensive cooperation, especially in the fields of innovation, technology and green transformation.

"Sweden welcomes the development in relations with Vietnam. Vietnam is an important link in Sweden's global supply chain," Ambassador Johan Ndisi emphasized. "Sweden is well prepared to contribute to Vietnam's journey towards achieving high-income status by 2045 and achieving net zero emissions by 2050."

The workshop included two discussion sessions on sectoral and local cooperation. Delegates emphasized promoting trade, establishing direct flights, expanding maritime transport and supporting businesses on both sides. Cooperation directions in green economy, digital transformation, education and people-to-people exchange were considered potential spearheads.

The workshop also paid special attention to the role of the Vietnamese community in Sweden and Swedish scientists and former experts who have worked in Vietnam. This is an important bridge to promote bilateral cooperation, not only in the economic field but also in the cultural and people-to-people diplomacy fields.

Through the new orientations, Vietnam and Sweden commit to continue expanding and deepening their partnership, creating strong momentum for the sustainable development of both countries in the future.

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/viet-nam-thuy-dien-55-nam-gan-ket-hop-tac-vi-tuong-lai-xanh-208235.html