Deputy PM receives Icelandic Foreign and Trade Minister
VGP - Deputy PM Pham Binh Minh received Icelandic Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson in Ha Noi on November 4.
November 05, 2015 9:43 AM GMT+7
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Deputy PM, FM Pham Binh Minh and Icelandic Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson in Ha Noi on November 4.Photo: VGP |
The host noted the significance of Icelandic President Olafur Ragnar Grimsson’s visit to Viet Nam, laying a basis for enhancing bilateral ties between Viet Nam and Iceland in many fields.
Deputy PM Minh affirmed that Viet Nam attaches importance to strengthening and promoting cooperation with traditional friends in Europe, including Iceland.
The two countries’ Foreign Ministries should play an active role in consolidating the sound political relationship and work closely with each other to enhancing ties between ministries, localities and businesses from both countries.
He expressed his gratitude to Iceland for supporting Viet Nam’s bid to join the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2014-2016 term, the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for the 2016-2018 term and hoped both countries will continue boosting consultation, collaborating and supporting each other at regional and international forums.
The guest expressed his pleasure to accompany the President during the Viet Nam visit to expand cooperation with Asian countries, including Viet Nam - an important partner.
The two sides agreed to boost specific cooperative activities in such fields of both countries’ strengths as trade, investment, fisheries, seafood processing, renewable energy, tourism, education and training.
Regarding negotiations for a free trade agreement between Viet Nam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), the host and the guest agreed to boost the negotiations and work for signing the agreement to facilitate trade and investment cooperation between the two sides.
They also discussed regional and international issues of mutual concerns, including those related to East Sea.
By Vien Nhu
