Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang received Norwegian State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Astrid Bergmål on October 16 during Bergmål's working visit to Vietnam and participation in the signing ceremony for a free trade agreement between Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) member states.
The meeting took place as the two countries celebrate the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations, which falls on November 25, 1971–2026.
Hang welcomed Bergmål's first visit to Vietnam and said Vietnam attaches importance to its traditional friendship and broad cooperation with Norway. She noted the positive development of bilateral ties, supported by political trust, mutual respect and a shared commitment to sustainable development.
To deepen relations, the Vietnamese official proposed increasing exchanges at all levels, especially at the senior level, through various channels, and coordinating political consultations at deputy-ministerial level.
On economic cooperation, Hang praised Norway and other EFTA member states for helping conclude negotiations on the Vietnam-EFTA free trade agreement after 14 years and 21 formal rounds of talks. She called on the parties to quickly complete ratification procedures and prepare thoroughly for implementation to facilitate business cooperation and market access.
Hang welcomed the signing in April of a memorandum of understanding on the Green Strategic Partnership. She said the partnership and the free trade agreement would complement each other in promoting bilateral cooperation. She encouraged Norway to share expertise in marine spatial planning, maritime transport, shipbuilding, seaports, logistics infrastructure and high-tech aquaculture. She also urged Norwegian businesses, investment funds and financial institutions to expand their presence in Vietnam, support renewable energy development and advance the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).
Hang also praised Norway's contributions to relations with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and affirmed Vietnam'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 contributing positively to local society, and expressed hope that it would continue helping the community strengthen people-to-people ties.
Bergmål agreed with Hang's assessment and said Norway wants to expand cooperation with global partners amid uncertainty in the world economy. She said Vietnam is a priority and important partner for Norway.
She said the free trade agreement would improve market access for goods and services, increase business stability and predictability, and create a basis for long-term cooperation.
The Norwegian official also pointed to opportunities under the Green Strategic Partnership for knowledge and technology sharing in marine management, sustainable aquaculture, green shipping and the circular economy, as well as closer energy cooperation toward a green transition and carbon neutrality.
On cooperation with ASEAN, Bergmål agreed that the two sides should coordinate closely to implement ASEAN-Norway practical cooperation for 2026–2030 effectively. Priorities include the blue economy, energy transition, sustainable development, connectivity and innovation.
The two sides agreed to strengthen coordination between their foreign ministries 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.
Sources: VietnamPlus / Vietnam News Agency
