Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Trương Hoà Bình (l) meets with Finnish Prime Minister Antti Rinne in Helsinki yesterday. — VNA/VNS Photo Công Thuận

Helsinki – Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Trương Hoà Bình has expressed his wish for Việt Nam-Finland relations to develop further in the fields of politics, trade, investment, development co-operation, environment, education and training, and science and technology. 
During a meeting with Finnish Prime Minister Antti Rinne in Helsinki yesterday, Deputy PM Bình spoke highly of the European country’s achievements and said he hoped both sides would share their experience in building an effective social welfare system, contributing to ensuring social fairness and enhancing training in judicial co-operation. 
Rinne spoke highly of Việt Nam’s achievements in external relations in recent years, stressing that the visit afforded both sides a chance to reach a consensus on bilateral links in the coming years. 
Finland wanted to boost its collaboration with Việt Nam in the fields of economy, environmental protection, climate change response, education and training, he said.
He said Finland would strive to push for the early ratification of the Việt Nam – European Union Free Trade Agreement and the Việt Nam – EU Investment Protection Agreement, thus creating a driving force for economic, trade and investment ties between Việt Nam and EU member states. 
Both sides agreed to increase co-operation at international forums and contribute to maintaining peace and stability in the region and the world in line with international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, as well as boosting multilateral collaboration to address common challenges. 
The host accepted an invitation to visit Viet Nam by Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc and promised to come next year. 
During a meeting with Finnish Minister of Social Affairs and Health Aino-Kaisa Pekonen, Deputy PM Bình expressed his desire to learn from Finland’s experience in healthcare and social affairs. 
Both sides agreed to facilitate visits and explore further areas of co-operation.—VNS