Vietnam and Norway held their fourth political consultation at deputy ministerial level in Hanoi on Nov. 24.

At the meeting, co-chaired by Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Thanh Son and Norwegian State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Erik Lahnstein, the two sides spoke highly of bilateral friendship and multifaceted cooperation in the recent past, especially in trade, investment, development cooperation and education and training.

The Norwegian side highly valued Vietnam ’s socio-economic achievements, especially in hunger eradication and poverty reduction and fulfillment of the Millennium Development Goals ahead of schedule.

The country’s position in the world has been improved, particularly after it successfully took over the 2010 ASEAN chairmanship and non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council for the 2008-2009 term, the Norwegian official said, adding that Norway was impressed by Vietnam ’s high economic growth in the context of the global economic crisis.

He also appreciated the reopening of the Vietnamese embassy in Oslo last December, laying a foundation for boosting bilateral cooperation in all fields.

The Vietnamese diplomat affirmed the effective use of Norway-funded ODA sources and thanked Norway for continued provision of ODA for Vietnam in the future with priorities to be given to climate change responses, forest protection and clean and renewable energy development.

The two sides agreed to collaborate to organise a programme to mark the 40 th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2011, which will include activities in business, culture and education, contributing to increasing friendship and mutual understanding between the two people.

They also agreed to intensify cooperation at multilateral and international forums, especially at the UN.

Vietnam affirmed its support for Norway in increasing cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The same day, State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Erik Lahnstein was received by Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai.

The Deputy PM said he hopes that the two countries will strengthen friendship and cooperation in the future, especially when Vietnam is developing its market economy and integrating into regional and international economies.

The Norwegian diplomat said Norway ’s businesses were ready to cooperate with Vietnamese partners, especially in renewable energy, liquefied gas and shipbuilding./.