(VOVWORLD) - Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc held talks with his Norwegian counterpart Erna Solberg in Oslo on Friday during his official visit to Norway.
 Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc holds talks with his Norwegian counterpart Erna Solberg in Oslo on May 24, 2019 (Photo: VNA) |
Both leaders said bilateral relations and cooperation have developed strongly, particularly in agro-forestry, environment, fisheries, renewable energy, maritime transportation, and shipbuilding. Both sides agreed to soon finalize the free trade agreement between Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) of which Norway is a member and a coordinator for negotiations. They encouraged the two countries’ businesses to expand cooperation in maritime economy, green energy, renewable energy, and IT.
The two Prime Ministers asked ministries and sectors to boost dialogue and cooperation in new areas related to women, peace, security, education, tourism, sports, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.
They agreed that Vietnam and Norway will increase close coordination at multilateral forums and support efforts to promote peace, stability, cooperation, and friendship in Southeast Asia. Prime Minister Phuc and his Norwegian counterpart Solberg reaffirmed the importance of the rights and obligations stipulated in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and called on involved parties to settle disputes through peaceful measures and respect for international law.
 Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg hold a joint press briefing following their talks in Oslo on May 24, 2019. (Photo: VNA) |
Following their talks, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and his Norwegian counterpart held a joint press briefing. Prime Minister Erna Solberg said that Norway applauds the two countries’ cooperation in trade and business. She expressed her hope for expanded cooperation in maritime and shipping industry, renewable energy and liquified natural gas. She congratulated Vietnam on its achievements in poverty reduction and its commitment to include sustainable development goals in national development strategy. Ms. Solberg pledged to promptly sign the Vietnam-Norway Free Trade Agreement.
Prime Minister Phuc said both countries agreed on the need to boost cooperation in all fields, including trade and investment, blue ocean economy, and clean energy.
"The Norwegian Prime Minister and I underscored the two government’s determination to soon end negotiations and sign the free trade agreement between Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) of which Norway is a key member. This deal will open up many cooperative and investment opportunities for both countries and eventually boost bilateral ties. We also discussed possibilities for cooperation in sustainable blue ocean economic development, renewable energy, as well as measures to deal with waste in the ocean. Vietnam will send participants to the 6th Our Ocean Conference hosted by Norway this October," said Mr. Phuc.