National Assembly Chairman meets Finnish President
National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue met Finnish President Sauli Niinisto in the capital city of Helsinki on September 10 (local time), as part of his ongoing official visit to the European country.
Hue said with delight that it is the first Finland visit by a top Vietnamese legislator after 28 years of promoting the comprehensive partnership between the two countries. He congratulated the European country on its all-around achievements, especially in digital transformation, innovation and social welfare.
As Vietnam is one of the countries hardest hit by climate change, he wished Finland would share its experience and partner with the country in digital transformation, innnovation, sustainable development and climate change response.
According to him, there are about 2,500 Vietnamese students and over 8,000 overseas Vietnamese living and working in Finland so that they could learn from the host country’s experience in building a start-up ecological system.
He expressed his hope that Finland will create favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community in the European country, thus fostering bilateral ties.
Hue suggested the President push forward the Finnish parliament’s ratification of the European Union – Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), and the two countries should take specific steps to make full use of opportunities brought about by the deal.
President Niinisto, for his part, expressed his belief that Vietnam will continue with rapid and sustainable development.
He also shared Finland’s experience in sustainable development with human as the most important factor, adding that its current social welfare system is attributable to people’s continuous efforts.
He pledged to assist Vietnam in the field as well as bolster bilateral links across environment and global issues.
Both sides shared the view that Vietnam and Finland hold the potential of further developing their ties and agreed to hold practical activities towards the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties (January 25, 1973 - 2023).
They highlighted the stance on maintaining peace, stability, security, maritime and aviation safety and freedom, settling disputes by peaceful means in line with international law, the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNSCLOS).
