President Tran Dai Quang and outgoing Norwegian Ambassador Siren Gjerme Eriksen (Source: VNA).

The State leader said Vietnamese ministries and agencies will continue to closely partner with the Norwegian Embassy to materialize agreements reached by the two countries, helping promote the bilateral ties.

He noted with pleasure the fruitful development of the friendship and multi-faceted cooperation between Vietnam and Norway over the past time.

The two sides have maintained the exchange of delegations at all levels, especially the high ones, and closely and effectively coordinated with each other at international forums and organizations, President Quang said.

Progress has been made in economic cooperation, particularly in the spheres of wood processing, construction materials, agriculture, forestry, fishery, information and communications.

With 40 projects worth over US$160 million, Norway ranks 41st out of 126 countries and territories investing in Vietnam, the leader said.

Lauding the ambassador’s efforts to step up the bilateral ties, President Quang expressed his hope that she will make more contributions to consolidating and enhancing the relationship.

In reply, Siren Gjerme Eriksen highlighted trade links between Vietnam and Norway over the pastime, saying she hopes that the two countries will reinforce collaboration in environment, navigation, climate change response and education.

The diplomat said Norway wishes that Vietnam and the EU will soon sign a free trade agreement, thus helping expand cooperation between the two countries.

Praising Vietnam’s role in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) and the United Nations (UN), the ambassador said Norway wants to further the close cooperation with Vietnam at international forums.

Source: NDO