Hanoi (VNA) – Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phucthanked Danish Ambassador to Vietnam Charlotte Laursen for her importantcontributions to the two countries’ relations while receiving the outgoingdiplomat in Hanoi on December 20.

Congratulating the ambassador on fulfilling hertasks, PM Phuc noted with satisfaction the progress in the Vietnam-Denmarkcomprehensive partnership in all priority areas, which was greatly contributedby Ambassador Laursen.

Bilateral trade is developing positively,surpassing 600 million USD in 2016, he noted, adding that the countries arealso promoting cooperation in culture, health care, education, and energy,including wind power – a field that Denmark has strength in.

To help boost Vietnam’s connections with Denmarkand the EU, he asked Denmark to push for the early signing of the EU-VietnamFree Trade Agreement.

He also thanked the Danish Government forcreating favourable conditions for Vietnamese people in the country, which hasalso contributed to the sound relationship.

Although a number of encouraging cooperationoutcomes have been reaped, they haven’t been on par with potential, the PMsaid, expressing his hope that the two sides will expand cooperation in manyspheres, especially the fields that Denmark is strong at and Vietnam has demandin.

He suggested that the countries organise regularmutual visits, especially at high levels, to foster bilateral cooperation.

PM Phuc said he hopes with her experience, theambassador will continue to support Vietnam-Denmark relations. He reiteratedthat Vietnam treasures ties with Denmark, an important partner of the countryin North Europe.

For her part, Ambassador Laursen thanked PM Phuc,the Vietnamese Government, ministries and sectors for providing favourable conditionsfor her to fulfill tasks during her second term in Vietnam. She also expressedher delight at Vietnam’s socio-economic development and the thriving bilateralrelations, including the establishment of a comprehensive partnership. 

She noted that bilateral trade is growing welland about 130 Danish companies are now present in Vietnam. Danish businessesare strong in various fields, and many of them want to engage in trade andretail activities in Vietnam.

The ambassador said Vietnam is facing challengesin some sectors, which are the spheres Denmark has strength in such as greengrowth, environment, energy, and food. The diplomat said she hopes the twocountries will promote affiliation in the coming time. Meanwhile, thecooperation in energy should be expanded to businesses, aside from theirministries and sectors.

Laursen also highlighted collaborationopportunities in labour, culture, health care, and education.

She pledged to continue supportingVietnam-Denmark relations in the future.-VNA