Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh arrives in Tallinn, starting official visit to Estonia
This is the first visit to Estonia by a Vietnamese PM since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1992, aiming to promote the friendship and multifaceted cooperation between the two countries to a new level.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, his spouse Le Thi Bich Tran and a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation are welcomed at the Lennart Meri Tallinn airport in the capital of Tallinn on June 5 morning (local time). (Photo: VNA)
Tallinn (VNA) – Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, his spouse Le Thi Bich Tran and a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation arrived at Lennart Meri Tallinn airport in the capital of Tallinn on June 5 morning (local time), starting their three-day official visit to Estonia at the invitation of Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal.
Welcoming PM Chinh, his spouse and the Vietnamese delegation at the airport were Estonian Ambassador to China and Vietnam Hannes Hanso; Deputy Director of the Estonian State Protocol Department Sven Tolp; and Vietnamese Ambassador to Finland and Estonia Pham Thi Thanh Binh.
This is the first visit to Estonia by a Vietnamese PM since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1992, aiming to promote the friendship and multifaceted cooperation between the two countries to a new level. The visit affirms Vietnam's consistent policy of always attaching importance to and wishing to strengthen and promote relations with European countries, including Estonia.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, his spouse Le Thi Bich Tran and a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation are welcomed at Lennart Meri Tallinn airport in the capital of Tallinn on June 5 morning (local time). (Photo: VNA)
Vietnam and Estonia established diplomatic relations just one year after Estonia declared independence and separated from the Soviet Union. However, Vietnam and Estonia have not yet opened an embassy in each other's country.
After 33 years, the two countries have exchanged a number of high-level delegations and meetings; established a political consultation mechanism at the deputy minister and department head levels. During meetings, Estonia repeatedly affirmed that Vietnam is a priority partner in Southeast Asia, and its wish to further promote cooperation with Vietnam. The two countries have also actively coordinated and supported each other at multilateral forums.
Economic relations between the two sides remain modest. Trade turnover between the two countries has increased steadily over the years, but by 2024, it had reached only 73.8 million USD. Estonia now has five valid direct investment projects in Vietnam with a total investment of 280,000 USD.
Estonia has actively supported Vietnam in signing the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and is one of the first EU countries to ratify the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).
Estonia helped Vietnam train students and postgraduates during the former Soviet Union and then, continued to cooperate in training with a number of Vietnamese universities.
During the visit, PM Chinh is expected to hold talks and meetings with senior leaders of Estonia, attend a Vietnam - Estonia business forum, and visit several socio-economic and cultural establishments of the European country.
The visit is expected to open up new cooperation opportunities between the two countries, especially in the fields of information technology, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, financial technology, digital economy, cyber security, smart logistics, digital seaports, and e-government development./.
The trip is being made at the invitations of United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, French President Emmanuel Macron, Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s upcoming trip to France, Sweden, Estonia underscores Vietnam’s foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralism, diversification, proactive and effective global integration, as outlined at the 13th National Party Congress.
Vietnam views Estonia not only as a partner in the Baltic region, but also as a key gateway to access the EU market and its technology edge. Conversely, Estonia can see Vietnam as a dynamic partner, a vast market and a strategic gateway to Southeast Asia.
New Zealand is currently one of Vietnam’s most important partners in the region, marked by a high level of political trust, strong and reliable defence and security cooperation, and increasingly open economic, trade, and investment ties.
Party General Secretary To Lam stressed that the Central Public Security Party Committee must be fully aware of the extremely important role of the People's Public Security force in the country's new revolutionary phase, so as to guide each branch and level of the force as the nation undergoes transformation.
Addressing concerns over university education spending, Son explained that as public universities gain greater autonomy, the Ministry of Finance has scaled back recurrent state funding. “Over the past decade, as autonomy has increased, the State's support has steadily declined”, he noted
Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane affirmed that the presence of Vietnamese press offices in Laos vividly demonstrates the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations, as the press is not only a means of communication but also an important bridge for spreading consciousness about the history, values, and strategic depth of the Laos – Vietnam relationship to the people of both countries and the international community.
The country is willing to participate in collective efforts to promote cooperation and mobilise resources to advance the current priority issues of developing countries, such as trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, making the most of scientific and technological advances for development, and people-to-people exchanges, Hang said.
During the negotiations, the US highly evaluated Vietnam’s goodwill and efforts, affirmed its appreciation for the bilateral relationship, acknowledged Vietnam’s proposals and concerns, and considered these an important basis for continuing discussions and moving towards a final agreement.
The Chairman stressed the need for stricter fiscal discipline, faster digital transformation, and more efficient management of State budget revenues and expenditures.
The ministry has instructed Vietnamese representative agencies in Israel, Iran, as well as those in neighbouring countries, to closely monitor the situation and request local authorities to ensure absolute safety for Vietnamese citizens living, studying, and working in high-risk areas.
Senior Vietnamese leaders on June 19 sent letters of congratulations to New Zealand leaders on the occasion of the 50th founding anniversary of Vietnam – New Zealand diplomatic relations (June 19, 1975 – 2025).
The Party chief attributed the achievements in the first half to the continuous, direct, and comprehensive leadership of the Politburo and the Secretariat of the Party Central Committee, and the close and effective coordination of relevant ministries, sectors and localities.
General Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chief of the VPA’s General Staff and Deputy Minister of National Defence reaffirmed Vietnam’s unwavering gratitude for Cuba’s invaluable support during its struggle for independence and nation-building efforts, and pledged to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Cuba as it navigates current challenges.
Vietnam is a country with which Russia shares a special relationship. In the 1950s and 60s, particularly during Vietnam’s struggle for independence, the two countries forged a deep bond. While much has changed over time, the friendship and cooperation between our nations have endured, said Russian President Vladimir Putin.
For 50 years, Vietnam and New Zealand have worked together to uphold peace and prosperity for their peoples and the region. The friendship, cooperation, and mutual understanding Vietnam and New Zealand nurtured have grown from a seed into a deeply rooted, strong, and thriving tree, she stressed.
Since the Strategic Partnership was established in 2020, Vietnam and New Zealand have witnessed steady growth in the relations. Beyond the remarkable 40% increase in bilateral trade over five years, political relations and multilateral interactions, particularly within the CPTPP framework, have remained highly positive.
Known as the “four pillars for Vietnam’s ascend”, the Pobiburo's Resolutions 57, 59, 66, and 68 focus on cultivating a robust national entrepreneurial spirit, unlocking resources for innovation across society, and accelerating the development of digital economy, knowledge-based economy, green economy, and circular economy, propelling Vietnam forward rapidly and firmly on the path of modernisation and international integration.
Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang cleared up deputies' concern regarding how to spur socio-economic growth, renew traditional growth motives and establish new momentum for development.
Vietnam proposed several priorities: narrowing the digital divide, strengthening women’s leadership in the digital economy and AI governance, and mobilising sustainable financing for gender equality initiatives in line with each country’s national priorities and context. Vietnam also advocated for genuine women’s participation and leadership across all areas of public life.
