While receiving Finnish Parliamentary Speaker Sauli Väinämö Niinistö in Hanoi on January 11, Mr Triet spoke highly of the results of talks between Vietnam National Assembly chairman Nguyen Phu Trong and Mr Niinistö and said close cooperation between the two legislative bodies is one of the important factors in strengthening bilateral relations.

He thanked Finland for supporting Vietnam during the cause of national development and increasing its official development assistance (ODA) to the country despite the global economic recession.

He applauded Finland’s decision to receive Vietnamese guest workers and thanked the nation for its stance against the European Commission’s ruling to extend anti-dumping duties on Vietnamese leather shoes imported to the EU.

Speaker Niinistö said the Finnish parliament will make a positive contribution to strengthening ties between the two nations. He affirmed that Vietnam is an ideal investment destination for Finnish businesses.

The speaker said the Finnish President and people expect a State-level visit by President Triet this year to expand bilateral relations.

The same day, the Finnish Speaker was received by Prime Minister  Nguyen Tan Dung who said Vietnam wants to broaden ties with Finland for mutual benefits.

The Vietnamese government is willing to increase cooperation in education, training and culture with Finland to promote friendship and mutual understanding between the two nations, said Mr Dung.

He said that Vietnam will work closely Finland to realise signed agreements to bring bilateral relations to a new height. He also affirmed that the Finnish ODA-funded projects have been carried out effectively, contributing positively to Vietnam’s socio-economic achievements.