Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung held separate meetings with new ambassadors from Sweden and the Czech Republic in Hanoi on December 3.

Welcoming Swedish Ambassador Camilla Mellander, PM Dung affirmed Vietnam’s constant policy of working with Sweden to further develop the two countries’ relations, bringing practical benefits for both sides.

Vietnam asked Sweden to support its broadening relations with the EU, including the Vietnam-EU FTA negotiations and the establishment of a dialogue mechanism to enhance their cooperation, Dung said.

He also expressed his wish to further boost bilateral trade and investment cooperation and sought Sweden ’s assistance in healthcare, education, environment and climate change.

Ambassador Camilla Mellander affirmed that the Swedish Government wishes to increase ties with Vietnam in the coming time, especially in trade, investment, health, education and green technology. Sweden is ready for a new period in its relations with Vietnam that oriented by enhanced friendship, equality and effectiveness, she added.

At his reception for Czech Ambassador Martin Klepetko, PM Dung asked the two sides to strengthen relations in trade and investment and support each other at multilateral forums to fully utilise their potentials.

He asked the Czech Republic to offer more scholarships to Vietnamese students to study in the eastern European country and consolidate the two countries’ friendship and mutual understanding.

Ambassador Martin Klepetko said the Czech Republic has placed Vietnam among the countries they want to prioritise cooperation, especially in economics, trade and investment.

Czech Republic private businesses have also paid attention to the Vietnamese market, he said.

Noting that there is a huge potential for cooperation between Vietnam and the Czech Republic, he suggested the two governments create favourable conditions for enterprises of both sides to seek investment and business opportunities.-VNA