Oslo, Norway – Vietnamese Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan engaged in a series of diplomatic activities during her visit to Norway, meeting with key Norwegian leaders to discuss and strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.
According to Vietnam News Agency, during her meeting with Crown Prince Haakon Magnus on November 23, Vice President Xuan emphasized the growth of Vietnam-Norway relations and the importance of maintaining high-level visits to bolster political trust and cooperation. She proposed expanding collaboration in culture, education, science, and technology, and mutual support at international forums. The Crown Prince acknowledged Vietnam’s significant developments and pledged Norway’s support in responding to climate change and promoting green energy initiatives. The Crown Prince also valued Vietnam’s commitment to green transition, particularly its 2050 net-zero emission goal, and assured Norway’s cooperation in realizing these commitments.
Vice President Xuan extended invitations to King Harald V and the Crown Prince and Princess to visit Vietnam, demonstrating the growing ties between the two nations.
In talks with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, both sides discussed enhancing the Vietnam-Norway partnership. PM Store praised Vietnam’s achievements, particularly in sustainable development and gender equality. He expressed eagerness for close cooperation with Vietnam, especially in the human rights domain. The two leaders agreed on maintaining high-level delegation exchanges and exploring a strategic partnership framework. They acknowledged the progress in bilateral trade and investment, with Vietnam emerging as Norway’s second largest ASEAN trade partner.
The leaders committed to supporting Norwegian investment in Vietnam and progressing the FTA negotiations between Vietnam and the EFTA. They also vowed to enhance collaboration within the JETP framework and explore strategic cooperation in green transition and circular economy.
Vice President Xuan and PM Store agreed to expand cooperation in various fields, including education, science, social welfare, climate change, security, defense, and people-to-people exchange. PM Store reassured the Norwegian Government’s support for the Vietnamese community in Norway.
On regional and international issues, both leaders concurred on working closely at forums like the UN and the ASEAN-EU cooperation framework to uphold peace, stability, and respect for international law. Vice President Xuan extended an invitation to PM Store to visit Vietnam.
Vice President Xuan also met with President of the Norwegian Parliament Masud Gharahkhani, discussing global challenges and bilateral cooperation. She sought the Norwegian Parliament’s support in establishing legal frameworks for bilateral cooperation in areas like green transition and circular economy. She also emphasized the importance of Norway’s support in fulfilling Vietnam’s international commitments, including those made at COP26 and within the JETP framework. The Norwegian Parliament President supported enhanced collaboration, and Vice President Xuan conveyed an invitation from the Vietnamese National Assembly Chairman to visit Vietnam.
Additionally, Vice President Xuan met with Norwegian Minister of Culture and Equality Lubna Jaffery, discussing shared commitments to promoting gender equality and potential cooperation in this field.