PM Phuc, who is on an official visit to Sweden from May26-28, also expressed his delight at visiting the European country on theoccasion of the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties.
He affirmed that the Vietnamese people always remember the precioussupport by the Swedish people during the anti-American war, as well as in itscurrent national development and global integration.
Löfven, for his part, said the visit will create a newdriving force for bilateral ties, adding that the Swedish government considersVietnam an important partner in the region.
The two PMs shared view that Vietnam-Sweden ties havethrived in diverse areas at many levels over the past few years, thus tappingeach side’s strengths. In particular, the visit to Vietnam by Crown Princess ofSweden Victoria on May 6-8 has contributed to cementing friendship and mutualunderstanding between the two nations.
They agreed to facilitate all-level visits and continueeffectively implementing bilateral cooperation mechanisms.
As bilateral trade-investment ties have yet to match the twonations’ potential, the Vietnamese PM asked the Swedish government to encouragefirms to enhance investment in Vietnam in fields of their strength, such asmanufacturing, chemicals, electronics, information and communications, forestplantation, sustainable wood processing, waste treatment, pharmaceuticals, andthe support industry for automobiles.
They also vowed to increase bilateral partnership ininnovation, smart urban development, environment, artificial intelligence,information and communications, and healthcare.
Host and guest welcomed the organisation of the Vietnam-SwedenBusiness Forum in Stockholm during the visit, and affirmed the importance of promotingconnectivity among businesses following the Vietnam-Sweden Business Summit heldin Hanoi during Crown Princess Victoria’s visit.
The Vietnamese PM asked Sweden to support the Vietnam-EuropeanUnion (EU) comprehensive partnership. The two PMs promised to work closelytogether to step up the signing of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement and the EU - Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement in thecoming weeks to bring benefits to both sides.
On the occasion, the Swedish government leader presented a letterof intent on an investment credit worth over 2 billion USD in Vietnam to hisguest.
The host also spoke highly of the Vietnamese community’scontributions to prosperity and cultural diversity in Sweden as well as thepromotion of bilateral trade and investment.
The two sides pledged to boost liaisons at regional andglobal forums such as the United Nations, the Asia-Europe Meeting, the ASEAN-EUcooperation, as well as join common efforts to cope with global issues, climatechange, and ensure sustainable development.
They reached a consensus on the importance of the settlementof disputes by peaceful means, ensuring navigation and aviation freedom in linewith international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of theSea.
Löfven also accepted Phuc’s invitation to visit Vietnamwith great pleasure. –VNA