Politics

Vietnam calls on Sweden to back its ties with EU

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Van Ninh has called on Sweden to further support Vietnam in fostering its comprehensive cooperation with the European Union (EU) as well as negotiating the Vietnam-EU free trade agreement.
Deputy Prime Minister Vu Van Ninh has called on Sweden to furthersupport Vietnam in fostering its comprehensive cooperation with theEuropean Union (EU) as well as negotiating the Vietnam-EU free tradeagreement.

At a March 19 meeting with Swedish Secretary ofForeign Affairs Frank Belfrage in Hanoi, the Deputy PM expressed hisgratitude to the Swedish Parliament for its approval of the Vietnam-EUPartnership and Cooperation Agreement.

Welcoming Belfrage asthe chair of the Hanoi conference of Swedish ambassadors in Asia, hedescribed the event as a meaningful activity to mark the 45 thanniversary of Vietnam-Sweden diplomatic ties.

He alsothanked the Swedish government and people for their valuable support toVietnam during its past struggle for national independence andreunification as well as the present cause of national construction anddevelopment.

The host noted with pleasure the fruitfuldevelopment in the two countries’ cooperation over past years, citingtwo-way trade in 2013 that exceeded 1 billion USD, up 24 percent againstthe previous year.

Sweden’s investment in Vietnam has beenfruitful, he said, noting that more than 60 Swedish businesses areoperating in the country, including several big names.

Theofficial praised the Swedish government’s policy of encouraging theirenterprises to operate in Vietnam, especially in areas where there islocal demand.

For his part, Belfrage thanked the Vietnamesegovernment for helping Sweden organise the conference of Swedishambassadors in Asia.

He expressed his belief that the twocountries will continue strengthening their comprehensive cooperation inthe time ahead.-VNA
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