Vietnam will work with Norway to deepen bilateral cooperation in a practical and effective manner, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung told Norwegian Crown Prince Haakon Magnus in Hanoi on March 19.

The PM informed the guest of Vietnam’s ambition of becoming an industrialised country by 2020 while improving people’s living standards and addressing climate change and rising sea levels.

To realise the goals, Vietnam needs more cooperation and assistance from the international community, he said, adding that he wishes for further coordination with Norway to take place, particularly in promoting economic links, trade and investment between the two countries.

He affirmed Vietnam’s willingness to allow Norwegian firms to do long-term business, and asked Norway to create favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community living in the country.

PM Dung thanked Norway for its official development assistance and asked the country for its continued help, focusing on climate change resilience and environmental protection.

He said he wishes Norway made more contributions to accelerating negotiations on a free trade agreement between Vietnam and the European Union.

Crown Prince Haakon Magnus remarked that in more than 40 years of diplomatic ties, the countries have enjoyed fruitful cooperation, bringing benefits for both sides.

He noted that his country specially places importance to boosting its partnership with Vietnam, proposing both sides further their connections in economics, trade, investment, education, tourism and culture.

The prince promised to personally promote investment between both countries’ businesses.-VNA