Receiving Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in Tallinn on June 5, Hussar welcomed the Vietnamese leader’s visit which he said presents a valuable opportunity to further deepen cooperation between the two countries.

He commended the overall Vietnam - Estonia relationship, particularly inter-parliamentary ties, which have great potential for future expansion. He reiterated Estonia’s interest in strengthening ties with Southeast Asia and expressed his belief that Vietnam’s role as a regional bridge and the good relationship between the two countries would serve as a catalyst for EU–ASEAN cooperation in the future.

Chinh, who began three-day working visit to Estonia on June 5, briefed his host on Vietnam’s socio-economic development achievements as well as its goal to become a modern industrialised country by 2030 and a high-income developed economy by 2045.

He underscored Vietnam’s view that science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation are key drivers of sustainable development. He expressed the desire to learn from Estonia’s success as a leader in innovation, e-government, digital economy, and digital society.

Both leaders agreed on the need to strengthen high-level contact and exchanges of delegations, and to promote economic, trade, and investment relations, especially in the context of a complex global political and economic landscape.

Vietnam is ready to facilitate Estonian businesses investing in the country, said Chinh.

He proposed the early establishment of a Vietnam - Estonia Parliamentary Friendship Group and a Joint Committee on Economic, Scientific, Technological, and Innovation Cooperation to enhance political trust and foster multifaceted cooperation.

He also called on Estonia to support and encourage the parliaments of several EU countries to soon ratify the EU - Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), which would inject fresh momentum into bilateral trade and investment.

Chinh also requested that the Estonian Parliament continue to create favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community living and working in Estonia, recognising their role as a bridge between the two countries.

The two sides agreed to promote mechanisms for dialogue and regular delegation exchanges, enhance cooperation, and share information and legislative experience. They also pledged mutual support at inter-parliamentary forums.

They also exchanged views on international and regional issues of mutual concern. Regarding the East Sea, known internationally as South China Sea, both sides affirmed the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security, and freedom of navigation and overflight based on the legitimate interests of coastal states, in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). They emphasised the peaceful settlement of disputes without the use or threat of force.

Chinh then conveyed an invitation from National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man to Hussar to visit Vietnam at an appropriate time, and the invitation was accepted with pleasure.

Early in the morning, the Vietnamese PM and a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation visited Tallinn Old Town - a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, widely regarded as the “crown jewel” in the heart of Northern Europe. They also toured the Port of Tallinn (Tallinn Sadam), one of Estonia’s most important maritime gateways and one of the largest seaports in the Baltic region.

On this occasion, Chinh witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in smart port operation technology transfer between the Port of Tallinn and the Vietnam Maritime Corporation.

Vietnam-Estonia traditional friendship at a glance

VOV.VN - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, accompanied by his spouse and a high-ranking delegation, is on an official visit to Estonia from June 5 to 7. This marks the first-ever official trip by a Vietnamese Prime Minister to the European country, representing a historic milestone in bilateral relations.