Prime Minister Chính Enhances Bilateral Ties with Finnish Parliament Speaker
Hà Nội, The Gulf Observer: In a significant diplomatic rendezvous, Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính of Vietnam engaged in a constructive meeting with Speaker of the Parliament of Finland, Jussi Halla-aho, in Hà Nội on Monday. The meeting was underscored by Prime Minister Chính’s belief that Halla-aho’s visit would serve as a catalyst for bolstering the longstanding friendship and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Finland.
During the discussion, Prime Minister Chính put forward several proposals aimed at strengthening collaboration between the two nations. He urged the Finnish Parliament to support the European Commission’s expeditious removal of the “yellow card” warning against Vietnamese aquatic products. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of expediting the ratification of the EU-Việt Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) by the parliaments of EU member states.
Prime Minister Chính also advocated for the exploration of new avenues for educational cooperation, particularly in vocational training, and the exchange of experiences in developing quality education systems. He expressed gratitude to the Finnish Government and Parliament for their continued support and facilitation of Vietnamese citizens living in Finland, underscoring their role as a bridge for bilateral friendship and collaboration.
In response, Speaker Halla-aho acknowledged Vietnam as Finland’s most crucial economic partner in ASEAN and expressed a desire to strengthen bilateral cooperation to fully harness the immense potential between the two countries. He highlighted Finland’s talent development program and extended a warm welcome to skilled Vietnamese workers and students to pursue opportunities in Finland.
Both leaders concurred on the necessity of exploring new avenues and approaches to deepen bilateral relations. They pledged to facilitate the exchange of delegations at all levels and across various channels, including the Party, State, and National Assembly, while offering mutual support at multilateral forums to promote stability, peace, and sustainable development.
Furthermore, they committed to enhancing connectivity among businesses and investors, leveraging the benefits of the EU-Việt Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), particularly in areas of mutual demand and strength such as hi-tech, green development, agriculture, forestry, and information technology.
Additionally, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to effectively implementing the Framework Agreement on projects funded under the Finnish Government’s Public Sector Investment Facility Scheme. The focus will be on priority areas aimed at improving the competitiveness of the private economic sector, developing a knowledge-based economy, addressing challenges related to sustainable development and climate change, and promoting sustainable development in the Mekong Delta region.
On global and regional issues, Prime Minister Chính and Speaker Halla-aho pledged to uphold sovereignty and territorial integrity, resolve disputes through peaceful means, and adhere to international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Speaker Halla-aho expressed support for ASEAN’s and Vietnam’s stance on the East Sea issue, emphasizing the importance of ensuring safety and freedom of navigation and backing efforts to effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and formulate a Code of Conduct in the waters (COC).
The meeting between Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính and Speaker Jussi Halla-aho marks a significant step towards strengthening bilateral ties and fostering cooperation across various sectors for the mutual benefit of Vietnam and Finland.
