A meeting was held in Hanoi on December 3 to mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and Finland, and the 96th anniversary of Finland’s Independence Day (December 6, 1917-2013).

Vice Chairman of the Vietnam-Finland Friendship Association Pham Ngac expressed his pleasure at the marked achievements that Finland has reaped in all fields over the past years.

In addition to growing bilateral ties in politics, economics and culture, people-to-people exchanges have been incessantly fostered and further developed, Ngac noted.

He said the association and the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations have undertaken a variety of activities aiming at enhancing the friendship and multifaceted cooperation between the two countries.

Finnish Ambassador to Vietnam Kimmo Lahdevirta said the bilateral relationship has enjoyed remarkable outcomes in a wide range of fields, particularly forestry, clean water and environmental sanitation.

He revealed that his country will do its utmost in the time ahead to expand bilateral affiliation to trade, education-training, science-technology, culture and tourism.

Other activities including exhibitions and seminars will be held across Vietnam with the aim of enhancing business connectivity, mutual understanding and establishing a bilateral partnership.-VNA