Norwegian Embassy in Vietnam celebrates Constitution Day
WVR - On May 17, the Norwegian Embassy in Vietnam held a celebration for the 210th Constitution Day (May 17, 1814 - May 17, 2024).
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| Norwegian Ambassador to Vietnam Hilde Solbakken spoke at the ceremony. |
The ceremony was attended by numerous guests, including representatives from Vietnamese agencies, associations, and businesses, heads of foreign diplomatic missions, international organizations in Vietnam, and members of the Norwegian community living and working in Vietnam.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Thanh Binh was the chief guest of the event.
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| Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Thanh Binh and Norwegian Ambassador to Vietnam Hilde Solbakken proposed toasts to celebrate Norway's Constitution Day. |
In her speech at the ceremony, Norwegian Ambassador to Vietnam Hilde Solbakken shared that “our Constitution was signed 210 years ago on this day, in 1814. The document, which is the second oldest Constitution still in use, was radical in its time, with its ideas of national self-determination and the principle that the people themselves should have the right to decide. It was based on principles of sovereignty, separation of powers and individual rights. The Constitution embodies the values Norway is built upon, of freedom, equality, and democracy, and fundamental human rights.”
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| Deputy Foreign Minister Pham Thanh Binh speaks at the ceremony. |
Ambassador Hilde Solbakken emphasized: “Upholding international law and the principles in the UN Charter, and working for a strong multilateral system, are core priorities in the foreign policies of both Norway and Vietnam. So, as we celebrate 17 May here in Hanoi, it is also a day to celebrate the cooperation between Norway and Vietnam.”
Expressing his pleasure and honor to speak at the celebration, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Thanh Binh conveyed his confidence that “the Norwegian Constitution Day will continue to inspire us to reflect on the values of freedom and independence, and on the responsibility of each citizen for the country’s development. This festive day also serves as a reminder that, despite our differences in language, culture, or history, the aspiration of a peaceful, prosperous, and just world remains universal.”
According to Deputy Foreign Minister Binh, the long-standing friendship and multifaceted cooperation between Viet Nam and Norway have been flourishing. The first visit of Vice President Vo Th iAnh Xuan to Norway in late 2023 opened new opportunities for bilateral cooperation.
Economic cooperation, the highlight of bilateral relations, promises positive-growth prospects as Viet Nam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) are stepping up the negotiation of a Free Trade Agreement, in which Norway served as the coordinating country. Both countries’ leaders have emphasized the importance of the early signing of the Free Trade Agreement.
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| Together sang the national anthems of Norway and Vietnam. |
“In the time to come, we hope to work with Norway to explore and establish strategic cooperation frameworks in the fields of sustainable marine economy, green transition, climate change adaptation, and renewable energy. This cooperation will not only focus on government-to-government ties but will also extend to the connections between major businesses in both countries, bringing about remarkable achievements”, Deputy Minister Pham Thanh Binh shared.
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| Guests at the event. |
In a warm and solemn atmosphere, Ambassador Hilde Solbakken and all the guests together celebrated Norway's Constitution Day, congratulated the strong relationship between Vietnam and Norway, and enjoyed signature dishes of the Nordic country.
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| Guests at the event. |
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| Norwegian dishes were introduced at the event. |
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| Guests enjoyed dishes made from famous Norwegian ingredients such as salmon, bread and cheese. |
