Promoting Vietnam - Norway cooperation on the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations: Deputy FM Le Thi Thu Hang
WVR - On October 16, at the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang received Ms. Astrid Bergmal, State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway, on the occasion of her working visit to Vietnam and participation in the signing ceremony of the Free Trade Agreement between Vietnam and the member countries of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).
Latest
 |
| Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang receives Ms. Astrid Bergmal, State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang welcomed the first visit of State Secretary Astrid Bergmal to Vietnam in the year the two countries celebrate the 55th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations (November 25, 1971–November 25, 2026). Affirming that Vietnam always values the traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation with Norway, the Deputy Minister expressed delight at the developments in bilateral relations based on political trust, mutual respect, and a shared goal of sustainable development.
To further deepen bilateral relations, the Deputy Minister proposed enhancing delegation exchanges across channels and levels, especially at the high level; and coordinating to organize Deputy Ministerial-level Political Consultations.
In terms of economics, the Deputy Minister highly appreciated Norway's contribution along with EFTA member countries in completing the negotiations of the Vietnam – EFTA Free Trade Agreement after 14 years with 21 official negotiation rounds. The Deputy Minister urged the parties to promptly complete ratification procedures after signing and prepare well for implementation, facilitating businesses to expand cooperation and market connectivity.
 |
| Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang welcomes the first visit of State Secretary Astrid Bergmal to Vietnam in the year the two countries celebrate the 55th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
Welcoming the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Green Strategic Partnership in April 2026, the Deputy Minister emphasized that this framework and the Vietnam – EFTA FTA will be two complementary drivers for bilateral cooperation. The Deputy Minister suggested that Norway share experiences in marine spatial planning, maritime transport, shipbuilding, port development, and high-tech aquaculture; and encouraged Norwegian businesses, investment funds, and financial institutions to expand operations in Vietnam, support renewable energy development, and implement the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).
Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang highly appreciated Norway's positive contributions to relations with ASEAN; affirming that Vietnam is ready to continue to play a bridging role in promoting the ASEAN – Norway Sectoral Dialogue Partnership.
Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang expressed gratitude to the Norwegian Government for facilitating the Vietnamese community's stable life, integration, and positive contributions to the local society; hoping that Norway will continue to support the community in playing a bridging role of friendship, enhancing understanding and connection between the peoples of the two countries.
 |
| State Secretary Astrid Bergmal speaks at the working session. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
State Secretary Astrid Bergmal agreed with Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang's assessments; affirming that in the context of global economic instability, Norway wishes to expand cooperation with global partners, considering Vietnam a priority and important partner in the region.
Regarding trade, the State Secretary assessed that the Vietnam – EFTA FTA will facilitate goods and services to access each other's markets more easily, while increasing stability and predictability for business activities. She believes this is a foundation for businesses on both sides to expand long-term cooperation, contributing to strengthening economic relations between Vietnam, Norway, and EFTA member countries.
For the Green Strategic Partnership, the State Secretary emphasized the opportunity to enhance connectivity between agencies, businesses, and research organizations of the two countries. She expressed a desire to promote knowledge sharing, technology, and experience in marine management, sustainable aquaculture, green maritime transport, and the circular economy, linking economic cooperation with environmental protection.
In the energy sector, State Secretary Astrid Bergmal highly appreciated the potential for bilateral cooperation; wishing to effectively promote cooperation mechanisms and projects in Vietnam towards a green transition. She emphasized the goal of reducing dependence on fossil fuels, aiming for carbon neutrality and ensuring the benefits of both countries.
 |
| The overall view of the working session. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
Regarding cooperation with ASEAN, the State Secretary agreed that both sides need to effectively coordinate the implementation of practical cooperation areas between ASEAN and Norway for the 2026–2030 period. Priorities include the blue ocean economy, energy transition, sustainable development, connectivity, and innovation.
Both sides agreed to continue enhancing coordination between the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs, promoting cooperation in priority areas; while also maintaining close coordination and mutual support at regional and international multilateral forums, including the United Nations, in the spirit of supporting free trade, respecting international law, and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
