The Vietnam-Sweden Friendship Association (VSFA) under the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations held a seminar in Hanoi on November 23 on the role of Vietnam-Sweden people-to-people diplomacy over the past 50 years.
At the seminar in Hanoi on November 23 (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – The Vietnam-Sweden Friendship Association (VSFA) underthe Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations held a seminar in Hanoi onNovember 23 on the role of Vietnam-Sweden people-to-people diplomacy over thepast 50 years.
The event was one of activities to mark the 50th founding anniversaryof the bilateral ties. It offered a good opportunity for the two countries’people to recall their memories of the friendship and cooperation betweenVietnam and Sweden in the past five decades.
Addressing the function, Deputy Minister of Justice Nguyen Khanh Ngoc, who is Presidentof the VSFA, said that Sweden was one of the first Western countries setting updiplomatic ties with Vietnam in 1969.
The bilateral relations have been continuously fostered by generations of Vietnameseand Swedish people, with the spiritual and material support for Vietnam duringthe times when the country faced difficulties.
Major works in Vietnam such as the Bai Bang Paper Factory, the National Hospitalof Pediatrics and the Uong Bi General Hospital have become symbols of the Vietnam-Swedenrelationship, he said.
Over the past years, the Vietnam-Sweden Friendship Association has organised awide range of activities to boost people-to-people diplomacy like delegationexchanges and cultural, education and information exchanges.
He expressed his belief that the collaboration between the two nations will thrivein the future, contributing to the prosperity of each country as well as to thepeace, stability and development in the world.
He affirmed that the VSFA and its chapters and members will do their utmost tohelp promote the friendship and connection between the two countries’ people.
For her part, Swedish Ambassador to Vietnam Ann Margareta Mawe spoke highly ofVietnam’s impressive growth in the past five years.
Sweden will continue supporting Vietnam via programmes it conducts in theregion, as well as the EU and the UN, she said, adding that 60 Swedishbusinesses present in Vietnam not only bring advanced technology but also jobopportunities to the Southeast Asian nation.
She asserted that the bilateral friendship and cooperation will continue to seegigantic developments in the future, with great contributions of thepeople-to-people diplomacy./.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Sweden has organised a ceremony to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and Sweden in Stockholm capital city.
Vice President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh and Crown Princess of Sweden Victoria Ingrid Alice Désiree discussed measures to step up the friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Sweden during their talks in Hanoi on May 6.
Vietnam and Sweden should cooperate in the environmental protection and sustainable development in the context of the current Fourth Industrial Revolution, Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Tuan Anh has said.
The solidarity, friendship, and cooperation between the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour (VGCL) and the Swedish Trade Union Confederation (LO) over the past 22 years has contributed to deepening and diversifying relations between the two countries, the VGCL leader has said.
The trip will be made at the invitations of Chinese Premier Li Qiang and WEF President and CEO Børge Brende, according to an announcement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Long spoke highly of the dynamic, positive, and comprehensive development of Vietnam – Russia relations in recent years. He affirmed that the Vietnamese Party and State place great importance on further strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia in a substantive and effective manner, in line with the development needs of both nations.
At the conference, participants reported that the Government has so far issued 28 decrees on the delegation of responsibilities and powers between the central Government and two-tier local administrations. Several localities have already piloted the new governance model.
Reality is the ultimate benchmark for success, he said, urging drafting agencies to work out policies that foster development, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and respect practical conditions.
Under the official dispatch signed on June 20, ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, and chairpersons of provincial and municipal People’s Committees are requested to concentrate efforts on implementing core measures to ensure the smooth operations of the new administrative framework.
The Party chief underscored the need for the press to innovate relentlessly, evolve to keep pace with the country's development, transform into a truly professional, humanistic, and modern sector that serves the cause of the Party, the State, and the people on the path to national construction and development.
The UN Secretary-General praised Vietnam’s remarkable achievements in socio-economic development and international integration in recent years, noting that the country has emerged as a model in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting international peace and security, and engaging in key UN processes.
Nghia affirmed that this is a milestone of special significance, affirming and honouring the the Vietnamese revolutionary press’s glorious tradition of 100 years of serving the revolutionary cause of the Party, serving the Fatherland, and serving the people.
The Party and State of Vietnam always attach great importance to and give top priority to the development of Vietnam–China relations. Vietnam is ready to work with the Chinese Party and State to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and promote the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV, President Cuong said, the press has been a steadfast force on the ideological and cultural front, rallying the masses to pursue national aspirations.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
The launch of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, even before the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is considered a testament to President Ho Chi Minh’s strategic foresight and strong belief in the guiding power of the revolutionary media.
At the seminar in Hanoi on November 23 (Photo: VNA) 
