Illustrative image (Source: VNA)Hanoi (VNA) – Northern European countries’ ministers have said they consider their nations’ water-related collaboration with Vietnam a success and an example of development cooperation.
They made the remark at a recent high-ranking seminar on Nordic leadership in water management in Helsinki. The function was part of Finland’s presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers in 2016.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Finland Bui Van Khoa was invited to a discussion of the seminar as Vietnam has a long-standing partnership in water treatment with the regional nations.
He delivered a preliminary report about the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goal 6 (ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation) in Vietnam, including challenges arising amid climate change and water supply difficulties in cities.
Vietnam wants to expand direct partnerships between the two sides, he said, suggesting the Nordic nations increase the provision of preferential credits for the two sides’ projects in water supply and drainage and environmental sanitation.
The diplomat also asked for continued technology transfer and experience sharing in treating water in line with international standards, and building and managing smart water supply and drainage networks.
At the discussion, the Nordic ministers spoke highly of the Vietnamese Government’s efforts in realising the Sustainable Development Goal 6, and affirmed further cooperation and assistance to Vietnam.
A ministerial level delegation from Sweden will come to the Southeast Asian country later this year to talk about building smart cities, they added.-VNA
