During their talks in Hanoion April 17, the two PMs concurred that Vietnam and Norwayshould increase the exchange of delegations, boosting the efficiency ofexisting political dialogue mechanisms, while enhancing security-defenceaffiliation, thus tapping full potential of cooperation.
They vowed to work together for the conclusion of negotiations on thefree trade agreement between Vietnam and the European Union in 2015,creating a favourable framework for the expansion of bilateral tradeand investment in the future.
Both sides expressed theirdelight at the expanding relations between the two countries, especiallyin politics, economy, development cooperation, education and culture,which they said have laid a firm foundation for the elevation of theirties.
PM Nguyen Tan Dung stated that Vietnam attachesgreat important to strengthen ties with traditional friends, includingNorway . He thanked the Norwegian Government for ODA provision overthe past years, especially for environment, education, gender equality,health care, and bomb and mine clearance.
Meanwhile theNorwegian PM lauded Vietnam’s completion of many United Nations’Millennium Development Goals ahead of schedule, affirming that she willassist Vietnam in fulfilling the remaining targets as well as buildingpost-2015 sustainable development goals.
She welcomed thesharing of Vietnam ’s experience in tripartite cooperation projectsfunded by Norway with developing countries.
The twogovernment leaders also agreed to foster connectivity among universitiesand research centres, especially in science-technology, oil and gas,energy, fishery, agriculture, environment and natural resourcemanagement, while increasing cultural, sport and tourism exchanges fordeeper mutual understanding and closer people-to-people contacts.
They highly valued the role that the Vietnamese community in Norwayplay in strengthen friendship and partnership between the twocountries.
Both sides pledged to continue their closecoordination at multilateral forums and international organisations,especially the United Nations and the Asia-Europe Meeting.
Vietnam welcomes Norway ’s efforts to enhance collaboration withthe ASEAN, particularly in boosting connectivity, narrowing downdevelopment gap, as well as maritime security and climate changeresponse.
They also shared concern about recentcomplicated developments in the East Sea, highlighting the need tosettle all disputes through peaceful measures in conformity withinternational law, the UN Charter and the 1982 UN Convention on the Lawof the Sea.
They stressed the significance of speeding upthe building of a binding Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC), takingit as an effective tool to ensure peace, stability as well as security,safety and freedom of trade, maritime and aviation in the East Sea.-VNA