Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Lê Thị Thu Hằng (right) receives State Secretary at the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Astrid Bergmål. — Photo baoquocte.vn

HÀ NỘI — Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Lê Thị Thu Hằng received State Secretary at the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Astrid Bergmål on Friday, on the occasion of her working visit to Việt Nam and participation in the signing ceremony of a Free Trade Agreement between Việt Nam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) member states.

The meeting took place as the two countries are celebrating the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations (November 25, 1971–2026).

Hằng welcomed Bergmål’s first visit to Việt Nam, affirming that Việt Nam attaches importance to its traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation with Norway. She expressed her satisfaction with the positive development of the bilateral ties, underpinned by political trust, mutual respect and a shared commitment to sustainable development.

To further deepen relations, the Vietnamese official proposed stepping up exchanges at all levels, particularly at the high one, through various channels, and coordinating the organisation of deputy-ministerial-level political consultations.

Regarding economic cooperation, Hằng commended Norway and other EFTA member states for their contributions to concluding negotiations on the Việt Nam-EFTA FTA after 14 years and 21 formal rounds of talks. She called on the parties to swiftly complete ratification procedures and make thorough preparations for implementation, facilitating business cooperation and market access.

Welcoming the signing of a memorandum of understanding on the Green Strategic Partnership in April, Hằng noted that the partnership and the FTA will serve as complementary drivers of bilateral cooperation. She encouraged Norway to share expertise in marine spatial planning, maritime transport, shipbuilding, seaports, logistics infrastructure and high-tech aquaculture, while urging Norwegian businesses, investment funds and financial institutions to expand their presence in Việt Nam, support renewable energy development and advance the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).

Hằng also appreciated Norway’s contributions to relations with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and affirmed Việt Nam’s readiness to continue serving as a bridge in promoting the ASEAN-Norway Sectoral Dialogue Partnership. She thanked the Norwegian Government for supporting the Vietnamese community in settling down, integrating into and making positive contributions to local society, expressing her hope that it will continue helping the community strengthen people-to-people ties.

For her part, Bergmål shared Hằng’s assessment, and shared Norway’s wish to expand collaboration with global partners amid global economic uncertainties, with Việt Nam being its priority and important partner.

She said the FTA will improve market access for goods and services and enhance business stability and predictability, creating a foundation for long-term cooperation.

The official also highlighted opportunities under the Green Strategic Partnership to promote knowledge and technology sharing in marine management, sustainable aquaculture, green shipping and circular economy, alongside stronger energy cooperation towards green transition and carbon neutrality.

Regarding cooperation with ASEAN, Bergmål agreed that the two sides should coordinate closely to effectively implement ASEAN-Norway practical cooperation for 2026-2030, with priorities including blue economy, energy transition, sustainable development, connectivity and innovation.

Both sides agreed to enhance coordination between the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs, and support each other at regional and international forums, including the United Nations, in promoting free trade, respect for international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). — VNA/VNS