Gov't chief meets with Norwegian top legislator

PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc (L) shakes hands with President of the Norwegian Parliament Tone Troen, on May 24, 2019

Both leaders expressed their pleasure at the positive development of relations between Viet Nam and Norway as well as between the parliaments in particular over the years.

They held that Viet Nam and Norway boast great potential for stronger cooperation in various areas.

PM Phuc conveyed Vietnamese National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan’s greetings and invitation to the Norwegian leader to visit Viet Nam.

Ms. Troen hailed Viet Nam’s completion of the Millennium Development Goals in poverty reduction ahead of schedule, pledging that Norway would continue supporting Viet Nam in the field.

The top legislator proposed the two parliaments increase the exchange of experience in law building, supervision and enforcement, while supporting each other at multilateral parliamentary forums such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA).

The leaders highlighted the significance of economic cooperation and the need for the early signing of a Free Trade Agreement between the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and Viet Nam.

PM Phuc proposed the parliament of Norway support the business communities of both nations to strengthen connections and partnerships, while encouraging Norwegian firms to invest more in Viet Nam in marine transport, shipbuilding, oil and gas, aquaculture, renewable energy, consumer goods, and information technology.

The Vietnamese Government is implementing many policies to encourage and support foreign investors, including those from Norway, to operate effectively in Viet Nam for a long term, he stressed.

PM Phuc also suggested that Norway open its market for Vietnamese traditional products, especially farm produce, consumer goods and electronics products.

The guest leader hoped that Norway’s parliament would continue assisting the 20,000-strong Vietnamese community in the country to stabilize their lives and integrate into the host society, so that they could work as an important bridge to boost the friendship, mutual understanding and close relationship between the two nations.

Both leaders agreed to work together in maintaining peace and ensuring freedom and security of navigation and aviation in the East Sea, as well as the peaceful settlement of disputes in line with international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)./.

By Kim Loan