The Europe tour that lasted from June 5 – 14 took Chinh to Estonia, France and Sweden at the invitations of the leaders of these countries. During his stay in France, the Prime Minister also attended the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC 3) and engaged in various sideline activities there.

The Prime Minister held in-depth discussions with senior leaders, met with business leaders, academics, and the Vietnamese communities in all three countries. Ministries, sectors, and localities accompanying the delegation also conducted productive cooperation activities.

Son told the media that the trip has helped enhance political trust. This marked the first-ever visit by a Vietnamese Prime Minister to Estonia, and the first visit to Sweden in six years, further advancing the comprehensive strategic partnership with France and longstanding friendships with Estonia and Sweden.

The countries highly appreciated Vietnam’s role and position, valued their relationship with Vietnam, and desired to effectively maintain the momentum of cooperation, further strengthening and deepening ties with the Southeast Asian country.

“Through these relationships, we aim to expand comprehensive cooperation with the European Union and promote Vietnam’s role as a bridge between EU countries and the Indo-Pacific region,” said Son.

The working visit has breathed new life into traditional cooperation frameworks, according to the chief diplomat. Discussions between the Prime Minister and leaders of partner countries focused on expanding cooperation in the fields of trade, investment, and economy. Both sides expressed a strong commitment to unlocking the full potential of bilateral cooperation, particularly through effective implementation of the EU - Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).

In addition, they reached broad consensus on deepening cooperation in key areas such as security and defence, energy, infrastructure, education and training, culture, sports, tourism, people-to-people exchanges, and locality-to-locality partnerships.

The working trip has also helped define new frameworks for cooperation in emerging sectors where partner countries have strengths and Vietnam has growing needs. Notably, Vietnam and Sweden established a strategic sectoral partnership in science, technology, and innovation. Both France and Estonia affirmed their readiness to work with Vietnam in areas such as digital transformation, innovation, and the green and circular economies, through the sharing of best practices, experience, and technological solutions in the near future.

Vietnam has also made a strong impression through its active and constructive engagement in the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC). The Prime Minister co-chaired a summit on Deltas of the World and delivered remarks on behalf of the 10 ASEAN member states at the UNOC 3. Vietnam was among the countries making the most voluntary commitments, 15 in total, on marine governance issues, demonstrating its strong political will and comprehensive action toward achieving sustainable development goals.

Many senior leaders and international organisations expressed support for Vietnam’s views and proposals, recognising the country’s notable achievements in developing a sustainable ocean-based economy.

Finally, Son said, throughout the Prime Minister’s meetings and engagements, Vietnam and its partners have reached a shared understanding on the importance of maintaining peace, security, and stability in each region, and resolving disputes by peaceful means in accordance with the United Nations Charter and international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). This also reflects the strong interest, support, and close cooperation of other countries with Vietnam on international and regional issues of mutual concern, based on the common commitment to upholding and respecting international law, thereby contributing to regional and global peace, stability, and cooperation.

Attending the UNOC 3 in Nice, France, the Prime Minister held meetings and exchanges with numerous heads of state, heads of government, and leaders of countries and international organisations, including French President Emmanuel Macron and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The countries and international organisations highly valued Vietnam’s remarkable achievements in socio-economic development, improvements in people's living standards, and the country’s rapid transformation in its rise toward a new era.

During the trip, the Prime Minister also met with and listened to Vietnamese expatriates, including intellectuals and businesspeople, who expressed pride and joy at the country’s development achievements and affirmed their strong determination to contribute even more to the homeland.

To translate these outcomes into reality, Son said, Vietnamese ministries, sectors, and localities should work closely and proactively with partner countries to increase high-level engagement and exchanges across all levels and channels; effectively implement agreed-upon directions, mechanisms, and cooperation frameworks; actively explore the expansion of cooperation in various fields, and meet voluntary commitments on ocean governance.

“We firmly believe that with strong commitment and coordinated action by all ministries, agencies, localities, and businesses, these agreements and pledges will be effectively realized,” concluded the chief diplomat.

Vietnam and Sweden set sights on upgrading bilateral relations

VOV.VN - This is the right time for Vietnam and Sweden to renew their relationship and work toward elevating it to new heights, agreed Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and his visiting Vietnamese counterpart Pham Minh Chinh during their talks in Stockholm on June 13.