Prime Minister vows to deepen ties with Iceland

Hanoi (VNA) - Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung reiterated Vietnam’s consistent policy to further deepen ties with Iceland during a meeting with President Olafur Ragnar Grimsson in Hanoi on November 4.

Expressing his delight at the outcomes of talks between the Icelandic President and President Truong Tan Sang, the PM hoped that both sides will continue the exchange of visits to create the foundation for economic, trade and investment ties, particularly in fields of Iceland’s strength and Vietnam’s demand, including fisheries, environment, clean energy and information technology.

He suggested building legal frameworks for collaboration across education, science-technology, culture and tourism while working closely together at international forums, especially at the United Nations.

PM Dung asked for Iceland’s support of the early signing of a free trade agreement between Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association.

He hoped that Iceland will continue providing assistance for Vietnamese nationals living and working in the country, contributing to raising mutual understanding between the two peoples.

President Grimsson, in response, stated that Iceland wants to expand its partnership with Vietnam to various fields, especially in clean farming using advanced technologies, aquaculture, food processing and energy.

Iceland is also willing to work with Vietnam in the areas of health care and university training, he said, adding that the country expects to partner with Vietnam to devise solutions to cope with climate change and rising sea level as well as to conserve natural resources and the environment.

Mentioning the East Sea issue, the guest underscored Iceland’s firm support of Vietnam and ASEAN’s stance on the issue, stressing that the issue must be settled peacefully in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.-VNA