Aukrust said Norway and Vietnam share several important common ground, including mutual trust and respect for international law and the United Nations Charter. He noted that the two countries are working together to respond to the climate crisis and to expand cooperation in areas of shared interest such as energy, fisheries and ocean management. In his view, there remains considerable room for Norway-Vietnam relations to continue strengthening in the time ahead.

On Vietnam’s role in Norway’s economic and investment ties in Southeast Asia, the minister said Norway has been a partner of ASEAN for many years, with Vietnam standing out as one of its strongest partners.

He pointed to strong interest among Norwegian companies in investing in Vietnam, stating that many are already operating in the country. During the visit, he met several such businesses and said they expressed satisfaction with their operations, having made important investments and contributed positively to Vietnam’s economy.  In this context, he described Vietnam as a prominent destination for Norway’s opportunities in Southeast Asia.

On cooperation in climate change and environmental protection, Aukrust said Norfund, Norway’s investment fund for developing countries, serves as the government’s main investment instrument. Through Norfund, Norway has invested in climate-related projects in Vietnam. He added that in the coming years the two sides could further expand cooperation, particularly in forest protection, ocean conservation, and climate and energy investment.

The minister also said Norway and Vietnam have agreed to move forward with a green strategic partnership programme. He described the programme as broad in scope, focusing on areas of shared interest such as climate investment and energy transition. He noted that Vietnam places particular emphasis on the circular economy, which he sees as an important area for cooperation between the two countries in the years ahead.

On Vietnam’s prospects in the new term following the 14th National Party Congress, Aukrust said he welcomed Vietnam’s emphasis on the central role of international law and the United Nations Charter in its foreign policy, which is consistent with Norway’s own views.

Regarding green transition, the Norwegian official  said Vietnam is sending a clear signal of its intention to take a leading role in this area. He added that this stance enhances Vietnam’s attractiveness as an investment destination for international partners, including Norwegian companies, and he welcomed the active and forward-looking role Vietnam is playing in promoting the transition.

Sharing Norway’s experience in pursuing long-term goals on energy transition and net-zero emissions, Aukrust underlined the importance of embedding these objectives in strong systems and within a clear policy framework to support implementation. He said Norway stands ready to share experience, connect experts and work with Vietnam on these issues.

Regarding policy reform to create a more favourable environment for long-term investment in energy transition, Aukrust said transparency and predictability are key, allowing society and the business community, both domestic and international, to understand the investment framework. He also highlighted a central lesson from Norway’s experience: the importance of trust among government, businesses, workers, social organisations and investors, built through close cooperation, clear regulations and stable, consistent policies.

Norway, Vietnam discuss ways to boost all-around cooperation

VOV.VN - Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang hosted a reception in Hanoi on January 8 for Norwegian Ambassador to Vietnam Hilde Solbakken to exchange views on directions and measures to bolster bilateral cooperation ahead of the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations (1971-2026).