Hanoi (VNA) – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) and the Swedish Embassy in Vietnam held a seminar in Hanoi on December 6 to look into achievements and prospects over 55 years of Vietnam - Sweden diplomatic relations.

Speaking at the event, head of the MoFA's European Department Bui Ha Nam said that when looking back their 55-year connections, Vietnam and Sweden can be proud of the positive outcomes of their bilateral relations, cultivated by many generations of leaders from both countries.

Sweden was the first country in the West to establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam and was an early and enthusiastic supporter of Vietnam's resistance against the US invaders. During Vietnam's renewal and national construction period, it has consistently provided the Southeast Asian nation with valuable material and spiritual support. Sweden's total non-refundable aid for Vietnam has exceeded 3 billion USD, significantly contributing to poverty alleviation and socioeconomic development in the country, he noted.

Sweden is now among the top 10 trade partners of Vietnam in the European Union (EU) with major investment projects. In 2023, bilateral trade turnover approximated 1.3 billion USD; in the first nine months of 2024, it reached 1.07 billion USD, up 11.5% compared to the same period in 2023.

Sweden ranks 29th among the countries and territories investing in Vietnam, with 111 valid projects and a total registered capital of 743.39 million USD. Meanwhile, Vietnam also has investment projects worth 5.2 million USD in Sweden.

In addition, cooperation between the two countries in science and technology, education and training, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people diplomacy have been continuously strengthened, enhancing mutual understanding and solidifying the friendship between the two countries, according to Nam.

Swedish Ambassador to Vietnam Johan Ndisi shared that the Vietnam - Sweden friendship has been built on mutual respect and trust. This relationship is becoming increasingly robust over time.

Commenting on Vietnam's recent development, the ambassador noted that Sweden hails Vietnam's rapid progress and is proud to be a partner throughout this journey.

Given the achievements in bilateral ties and Sweden's status as one of the leading countries in technology, science and innovation, he noted that Sweden wishes to keep fostering the strategic partnerships in innovation, technology, and education with Vietnam, and to become a partner during the latter's green transition and digital transformation process.

Sweden is well prepared to contribute to Vietnam's journey towards the high-income country status by 2045 and net zero emissions by 2050, Ndisi remarked.

ꦏ Participants at the seminar exchanged and proposed new directions and solutions to boost multifaceted cooperation, especially in the green economy and sustainable development./.