Sweden sees Vietnam as important partner in ASEAN: official

Soder spoke of Vietnam’s achievements of socio-economic development in recent years.

During their April 7 meeting on the occasion of National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan’s visit to Sweden, the two sides agreed to further promote exchange of visits in order to create an impetus to stronger multi-faceted cooperation between the two countries. They also pledged to work closely and support each others at regional and international forums, especially at the United Nations.

They affirmed to support for global trade liberalisation, and agreed to accelerate the official signing of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).

Deputy FM Son applauded Sweden’s proposal to set up a strategic partnership with Vietnam in the fields of education-training, science-technology, and health care, thus encouraging Swedish firms specialising in these fields to enhance investment in Vietnam.

He called for closer links between ministries and sectors of the two countries to realise the initiative.

Regarding cooperation between the two foreign ministries, they agreed to hold the first political consultation at deputy minister level in Hanoi by the end of 2017, foster links in personnel training, and soon negotiate to sign a visa exemption agreement for diplomatic passport holders.

Deputy FM Son called on the Swedish Government to continue supporting the Vietnamese community in the country.

During the meeting, the two sides also compared notes on regional and international issues of common concern, including the East Sea issue.

The Vietnamese official congratulated Sweden on its election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for 2017-2018.

State Secretary Soder affirmed with the position, Sweden will make contributions to maintaining peace, stability and security in the world by respecting international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).