Welcoming PM Chinh, PM Kristen Michal said his guest’s historic visit marks the first time a senior Vietnamese leader has visited Estonia since both nations established diplomatic ties in 1992. He stated that the visit will add fresh impetus to boosting bilateral ties and expanding cooperation in areas where the two sides have strengths and shared interests.

PM Chinh showed great joy at visiting the beautiful and hospitable country of Estonia, which he described as a model for innovation, entrepreneurship, e-government and digital citizenship in Europe.

The Vietnamese Government leader conveyed greetings from Party General Secretary To Lam, President Luong Cuong and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man to PM Kristen Michal and other senior Estonian leaders. He reaffirmed that Vietnam always remembers Estonia’s past support for the country's struggle for independence and continues to greatly value Estonia’s cooperation in Vietnam’s development efforts today.

Against the backdrop of profound global and regional changes, and with the two countries sharing historical and cultural similarities, PM Chinh emphasized the importance of renewing and reinforcing traditional friendship between Vietnam and Estonia for the benefit of their peoples and for peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world.

During the talks, the two PMs shared satisfaction over the development achievements of both countries in recent years. PM Chinh noted that in its national development process, Vietnam is focusing on strategic breakthroughs in institutions, infrastructure and human resources, with science and technology, innovation and digital transformation identified as top priorities to propel the country forward in the new era.

Impressed by Estonia’s remarkable progress in becoming a leader in digital transformation and e-government, PM Chinh proposed that Estonia step up cooperation with Vietnam through information sharing and the exchange of valuable experience in digital economy, e-governance, data infrastructure development, the establishment of national data centres, and training of high-quality human resources. He stressed that this cooperation will help improve public services in Vietnam and support sustainable socio-economic development.

In response, PM Kristen Michal glowingly spoke of Vietnam’s achievements in socio-economic development and quality-of-life improvements, including its advances in e-government and digital transformation. He agreed with PM Chinh’s proposals and affirmed Estonia’s willingness to augment cooperation across the board, especially in digital transformation, innovation, science and technology, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and education.

The two leaders underlined the need for mutual support and common development to further consolidate their traditional friendship and all-around cooperation. Politically, they agreed to continue intensifying high-level and all-level exchanges to deepen mutual understanding and expand cooperation in various fields. On economic, trade and investment cooperation, they affirmed their support for businesses of both countries to capitalize on opportunities in each other's markets.

PM Chinh expressed hope that Estonia will serve as an effective bridge for Vietnamese exports to better access Nordic and EU markets.

The two sides also consented to boost people-to-people exchanges, particularly in tourism and culture, through joint promotional activities and participation in each other’s events.

PM Chinh asked Estonia to create favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community living and working in Estonia to contribute to the host nation’s development and serve as a bridge for bilateral ties.

The two leaders also compared notes on international and regional situations, including the global economic outlook. They supported free trade and emphasized the need to reform multilateral institutions to enhance their effectiveness. Both sides pledged to cooperate closely and support each other at regional and international forums, including the United Nations, ASEAN and the EU.

On regional security issues, the two countries shared the view that international solidarity, rule of law and the fundamental principles of the UN Charter are essential. PM Chinh reiterated Vietnam’s readiness to work with the international community in peacekeeping efforts.

Regarding maritime and ocean matters, including the East Sea (South China Sea), both sides voiced support for freedom of navigation and aviation based on respect for the interests of coastal states in accordance with international law, especially the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). They agreed that disputes must be resolved peacefully based on international law, without the use or threat of force.

On this occasion, PM Chinh invited Estonia to send a high-level delegation to attend the signing ceremony of the United Nations Convention on Cybercrime, which Vietnam will host in Hanoi in October 2025. He also conveyed an invitation to PM Kristen Michal to pay an official visit to Vietnam, and assigned the two foreign ministries to coordinate the arrangements. PM Kristen Michal accepted the invitation with pleasure.

Following the talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing and exchange of two memoranda of understanding: one on cooperation between the two foreign ministries, and another on digital transformation and digital economy cooperation between Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology and Estonia’s Ministry of Justice and Digital Transformation.

The agreements demonstrate a strong commitment to enhancing political-diplomatic ties as well as collaboration in science, technology and innovation. Both PMs tasked relevant agencies with direct discussions and expert-level exchanges to implement the agreements effectively.

They also co-chaired a joint press briefing to announce the outcomes of the talks. PM Kristen Michal once again welcomed PM Pham Minh Chinh and the Vietnamese delegation, while highlighting the historic visit as a milestone opening a new chapter in bilateral relations.

PM Chinh expressed appreciation for Estonia’s warm and thoughtful reception and affirmed that the outcomes of the talks will help further deepen bilateral cooperation in the time ahead.

PM’s official visit to Estonia to foster bilateral multifaceted cooperation

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s official visit to Estonia from June 5 - 7, the first-ever by a Vietnamese Government leader since the two nations established diplomatic ties in 1992, is expected to foster the friendship and multi-faceted cooperation between the two countries.

PM Chinh to attend UN Ocean Conference in France, visit Estonia and Sweden

VOV.VN - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, his spouse, and a high-level delegation will attend the third United Nations Ocean Conference in France and pay official visits to Estonia and Sweden from June 5 to 14, according to a June 2 press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.