General Secretary To Lam's visit to Finland: Advancing cooperation, fostering innovation, and sharing the future
WVR - Vietnamese Ambassador to Finland Pham Thi Thanh Binh believes that General Secretary To Lam's official visit to Finland will usher in a new phase of cooperation between the two countries, more substantive, effective, and sustainable, aligning with the spirit of cooperation, innovation, and sharing that both nations aspire to.
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| General Secretary To Lam and his spouse, along with a high-level Vietnamese delegation, will officially visit Finland from October 20-22. (Photo: Nguyen Hong) |
On the occasion of General Secretary To Lam and his spouse, along with a high-level Vietnamese delegation, officially visiting Finland from October 20-22 at the invitation of Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Vietnamese Ambassador to Finland Pham Thi Thanh Binh shared with The World and Vietnam Report the significance and her expectations of this particularly important visit for bilateral relations.
How do you assess the significance of the upcoming visit to Finland by General Secretary To Lam, his spouse, and the high-level Vietnamese delegation?
The official visit to Finland by General Secretary To Lam, his spouse, and the high-level Vietnamese delegation is a politically and diplomatically significant event, marking a new milestone in the traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation between Vietnam and Finland.
This is the first visit to Finland by Vietnam's highest-ranking leader, demonstrating Vietnam's consistent policy of valuing relations with Finland, a partner with great potential and a leading position in the European Union (EU) in innovation, education, green transition, and knowledge-based economy.
The visit takes place as the two countries recently celebrated 50 years of diplomatic relations (1973-2023), marking an important milestone that opens a new phase of cooperation, affirming political trust, and strengthening cooperation in traditional fields such as education and training, science and technology, environment, and agriculture, while expanding into new areas like digital transformation, renewable energy, and circular economy, aligning with the sustainable development vision of both countries.
Beyond political and economic significance, the visit also carries deep spiritual meaning, as General Secretary To Lam will meet with the Vietnamese community in Finland and the Nordic region, listening to their concerns and encouraging their spirit, thereby further strengthening the bond between the Vietnamese community and their homeland. Notably, the General Secretary will meet with Vietnamese students in Finland, showing the highest leadership's interest in the younger generation, encouraging them to study, acquire knowledge, and contribute to the nation's development.
I believe that this visit will usher in a new phase of cooperation between Vietnam and Finland — one that is more substantive, effective, and sustainable — in line with Vietnam’s era of advancement and the shared spirit of cooperation, innovation, and mutual support that both nations aspire to.
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| Vietnamese Ambassador to Finland Pham Thi Thanh Binh. (Photo: Nguyen Hong) |
During the visit, what key activities are expected for General Secretary To Lam? What are your expectations for this special visit and its impact on bilateral relations?
During General Secretary To Lam's official visit to Finland, numerous important activities are expected, reflecting the depth, strategic vision, and comprehensive nature of the bilateral relationship between the two countries.
Firstly, the General Secretary will hold talks and meetings with Finland's leaders to extensively discuss the development direction of Vietnam-Finland relations in the new phase, as well as international and regional issues of mutual concern. The leaders are expected to witness the signing and exchange of several bilateral cooperation documents, opening new cooperation opportunities in sustainable development, green agriculture, and circular economy.
In addition to official activities, the General Secretary will visit and work with several prominent Finnish economic and educational institutions, as well as meet with Vietnamese students studying there. These activities clearly demonstrate Vietnam's vision in cooperation for innovation and the development of high-quality human resources.
Another highlight of the visit is a cordial meeting with the Vietnamese community not only in Finland but also in the Nordic region, showing high-level leadership's concern for overseas Vietnamese, while affirming the Party and State's policy of always considering the overseas Vietnamese community as an inseparable part of the Vietnamese nation.
Additionally, during the visit, the Vietnamese Embassy in Finland will coordinate to organize a concert featuring the Helsinki Metropolitan Orchestra and People's Artist Bui Cong Duy. This is a unique cultural exchange activity, reflecting the spirit of connection and honouring the artistic values of both Vietnamese and Finnish peoples.
I believe that this visit will create new momentum for the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries, not only in traditional fields such as education, science and technology, innovation, environment, and energy, but also expanding into new areas in line with global development trends such as digital transformation, food security, and green growth.
This is also an opportunity for Vietnam to affirm its image as a dynamic, innovative country, proactively integrating deeply into the international community, a reliable, responsible partner with great potential for cooperation with Finland and Europe in the era of Vietnam's rise.
| "This is the first visit to Finland by Vietnam's highest-ranking leader, demonstrating Vietnam's consistent policy of valuing relations with Finland, a partner with great potential and a leading position in the European Union (EU) in innovation, education, green transition, and knowledge-based economy". (Ambassador Pham Thi Thanh Binh) |
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| Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang working with Finland's Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Jumka Salovaara during a working visit to Finland, September 26. (Photo: Bao Chi) |
Ambassador, please describe the traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation between Vietnam and Finland over the past five decades in three words and explain your choice?
If I were to choose three words to describe the relationship between Vietnam and Finland, I would choose: Companionship – Innovation – Future.
"Companionship", because for more than half a century, Finland has always been a reliable friend, standing by Vietnam in the nation's building and development efforts. From the years when Vietnam faced many difficulties, Finland supported us in many important areas such as education, clean water, environment, agriculture, and sustainable resource management.
This friendship has endured over time and has been inherited and developed in the new phase. Today, the two countries have successfully transitioned from development cooperation to equal, mutually beneficial partnerships — a testament to Vietnam's remarkable development and Finland's long-term, humanist policy vision.
"Innovation", because both Vietnam and Finland consider knowledge and creativity as the driving forces of development. The two nations are closely cooperating in fields such as digital transformation, education, science and technology, and green growth. These are the areas that open new momentum for bilateral relations in the era of globalization.
And finally, "Future", because the Vietnam-Finland relationship is not only built on historical foundations and traditional friendship but also aims towards a harmonious, sustainable, and innovative future, working together for the peace and prosperity of the region and the world.
These three words represent both the journey traveled and the direction for the future of the friendly relations between the Vietnamese and Finnish peoples.
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| Ambassador Pham Thi Thanh Binh with delegates at the 80th Anniversary of Vietnam's National Day in Finland. (Photo: Embassy of Vietnam in Finland) |
Finland is one of the countries prioritizing the development of science and technology, innovation, education and training, and recently also focusing on the semiconductor industry in the context of Europe's digital transformation and technological autonomy. According to you, what should the two countries do to promote mutually beneficial cooperation in these areas, contributing to the socio-economic development of each country in the coming time?
Finland has long been known as a world leader in education, science and technology, and innovation, with proud achievements in fields such as digital technology, clean energy, artificial intelligence, and semiconductors. These are also the areas Vietnam is prioritizing for strong development to achieve the goal of transforming the growth model towards a knowledge-based, green, and sustainable economy.
To promote mutually beneficial cooperation, I believe there are three key areas of cooperation that both sides can strengthen in the near future:
Firstly, enhancing strategic connections between research institutions, universities, and businesses of the two countries. Finland has strengths in an innovation model based on the "state – business – academia" linkage, while Vietnam has a dynamic market, a young workforce, and a desire for integration. This connection will open opportunities to form research and innovation centers or joint projects in areas where both sides have strengths, such as digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), and sustainable development.
Secondly, the two countries can promote cooperation in training and developing high-quality human resources, especially in the semiconductor industry, green technology, and digital education. Vietnam wishes to learn from Finland's advanced education experience, a country with a model considered to be the most humane, modern, and practical in the world.
Thirdly, leveraging the role of businesses and expert communities from both countries in implementing specific cooperation projects. The Vietnamese Embassy in Finland is ready to play a bridging role, supporting the promotion of substantive cooperation between agencies, organizations, and businesses on both sides.
I believe that with the foundation of traditional friendship and the spirit of innovation, equal, mutually beneficial cooperation, Vietnam and Finland can fully harness the power of knowledge and creativity, together contributing to the socio-economic development, green transition, and sustainable future of both nations.
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| Vietnam Day 2025 for the first time in Finland, August 16. |
After more than two years working in Finland, what about the country and its people has left the strongest impression on you?
What has left the strongest impression on me about Finland and its people is their simplicity, sincerity, and steadfast spirit – qualities that are very characteristic of a nation living in harmony with nature, valuing knowledge, and emphasizing community values. These are also the qualities that have helped Finland become the happiest country in the world for eight consecutive years.
I particularly admire the "Sisu" spirit, the characteristic resilience of the Finnish people. It is the perseverance, courage, and determination to move forward, regardless of challenges. This spirit has enabled Finland to continuously innovate, create, and lead in many fields, from education and technology to green transition and social governance.
The Finnish people are humble yet sincere, reserved in words but profound in thought, and always respectful of differences. In their relations with Vietnam, they have proven to be trustworthy, straightforward, and enthusiastic friends.
I am also very impressed with the creativity and love for beauty of the Finnish people, expressed in all fields, from design and education to how they preserve the environment and cultural heritage. Although a small country in terms of population, Finland consistently ranks among the world's leaders in education, innovation, and happiness, thanks to their investment in people, considering people as the centre of all policies.
To me, Finland is not only a beautiful Nordic country but also an inspiring companion for Vietnam on the path of sustainable, green, and innovative development.
Thank you very much, Ambassador!
| "I believe that this visit will usher in a new phase of cooperation between Vietnam and Finland — one that is more substantive, effective, and sustainable — in line with Vietnam’s era of advancement and the shared spirit of cooperation, innovation, and mutual support that both nations aspire to." (Ambassador Pham Thi Thanh Binh) |
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| Finland is not only a beautiful Nordic country but also an inspiring companion for Vietnam on the path of sustainable, green, and innovative development. (Photo: Getty Images) |
