Tallinn (VNA) – Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh had a meeting with President of the Riigikogu (the Parliament of Estonia) Lauri Hussar on June 5 afternoon (local time) as part of his ongoing official trip to Estonia, during which the latter affirmed Vietnam as an important partner of the Baltic nation in the Southeast Asian region.
At the event, the Vietnamese Government leader thanked Estonia for its support during Vietnam's past struggle for national liberation and reunification as well as ongoing nation-building endeavours.
Expressing his delight over the robust development of the bilateral ties over the recent past, PM Chinh said he believes that his trip will contribute to creating breakthroughs and opening up a new development period for the traditional cooperation, making it on par with the two countries’ potential.
As Vietnam eyes to become a country with modern industrial base by 2030 and a high-income developed nation by 2045, the country has seen science – technology, innovation, and digital transformation as key drivers, decisive factors, and the foundation for sustainable development. PM Chinh noted that Estonia leads in startup, innovation, e-government, digital economy, digital society, and digital citizenship - the areas where Vietnam seeks to learn from Estonia’s expertise.
Both leaders agreed that their countries need to strengthen contact and exchanges at all levels, further promoting economic – trade – investment relations, particularly given the complex developments in the global political and economic situation.
Vietnam stands ready to facilitate Estonian businesses in investing in the country, PM Chinh affirmed.
The leader proposed the early establishment of parliamentary friendship groups between the two countries to promote the exchange of specific measures aimed at strengthening political trust and mutual understanding. He also called for the Riigikogu’s support for the establishment of a Vietnam-Estonia joint committee on economic cooperation, science – technology, and innovation.
Additionally, he urged the Riigikogu’s positive advocacy to encourage several European Union member state parliaments to ratify the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) to create new momentum for bilateral trade and investment cooperation.
He took the occasion to request the Riigikogu to create favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community living and working in Estonia, continuing to serve as a bridge between the two peoples.
Lauri Hussar, for his part, praised the positive development of the Vietnam-Estonia relations in general and parliamentary relations in particular, noting significant future potential for exploration. He laid stress on Estonia's desire to expand its relations with Southeast Asia and expressed confidence that the bridging role of both Vietnam and Estonia, along with their excellent bilateral relationship, will serve as a catalyst to further the EU – ASEAN cooperation.
The two sides concurred to promote dialogue mechanisms and regular delegation exchanges, enhance information and experience sharing across various sectors, including legislation. They also consented to support each other at inter-parliamentary forums.
The leaders also exchanged views on several international and regional issues of mutual concern.
Regarding the East Sea issue, they affirmed the significance of maintaining peace, stability, security, and freedom of navigation and overflight in the waters on the basis of respecting coastal countries’ interests in accordance with the international laws, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). They advocated for peaceful settlement of disputes based on international law without the use or threat of force.
PM Chinh conveyed National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man’s invitation to visit Vietnam to the President of the Riigikogu who then graciously accepted it./.
