(VOVworld) – The 8th political consultation at deputy foreign ministerial level between Vietnam and Norway has taken place in Hanoi.

Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son and Norwegian State Secretary Tone Skogen co-chaired the meeting. The two sides agreed to increase visits at all levels, promote delegate exchanges and implement agreements reached between the two countries during the previous visit to Vietnam by Norway Prime Minister Erna Solberg last April. The two diplomats agreed to foster bilateral cooperation in shipbuilding, marine, fishing, aquaculture, energy, oil and gas, green technology and IT. They agreed to work together to foster the negotiation of the Free Trade Agreement between Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) to promote cooperation in trade and investment in the future. Norway is ready to support Vietnam in building and implementing its sustainable development goals, including those dealing with climate change, forest protection, and the management of natural resources. The two leaders also discussed international and regional issues and ways to boost cooperation at multilateral forums and international organizations, including the UN, and the ASEAN.