General Secretary To Lam's visit to Finland is a symbol of a new era of cooperation.

General Secretary To Lam visited Finland from October 20-22, opening a new era of cooperation and strengthening the comprehensive partnership between Vietnam and Finland.

At the invitation of President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam To Lam and his wife, along with a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation, will pay an official visit to the Republic of Finland from October 20-22.

On this occasion, VNA reporter in Europe had an interview with Vietnamese Ambassador to Finland Pham Thi Thanh Binh.

- Mr. Ambassador, how has the Vietnam-Finland bilateral relationship developed positively recently?

Ambassador Pham Thi Thanh Binh : In recent years, Vietnam-Finland relations have developed very positively, substantially and comprehensively, demonstrated through enhanced political dialogue, expanded economic-educational-scientific-technological cooperation, and increasingly deep people-to-people exchange.

In terms of politics and diplomacy , the two countries regularly maintain delegation exchanges and high-level contacts, thereby strengthening mutual trust and understanding.

The upcoming visit of General Secretary To Lam will be the most important milestone, affirming a new height in bilateral relations and opening up a more comprehensive and long-term cooperation orientation.

Economically, two-way trade turnover has maintained a steady growth momentum. Many large Finnish enterprises such as Nokia, Vaisala, Valmet, KONE... have operated effectively in Vietnam, contributing to promoting digital transformation, green development and innovation.

Prime Minister Phan Van Khai listens to an introduction of some telecommunications equipment produced by Nokia Corporation during his official visit to Finland (1999). (Photo: The Thuan/VNA)

Vietnam is increasingly affirming its position as Finland's leading trade partner in Southeast Asia, demonstrated by being one of four Asian countries that are Finland's priority partners in trade and investment policy.

Cooperation in education and science and technology is increasingly vibrant. Thousands of Vietnamese students are studying in Finland, a country considered to have one of the most advanced education systems in the world.

Universities and research institutes of the two countries have implemented many joint training and research programs, especially in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), clean energy and innovation.

In addition, the Vietnamese community in Finland is also growing, integrating well and actively contributing to the local society, and is a bridge of friendship between the people of the two countries, which is one of the bases for the Finnish Government to put Vietnam on the list of 4 countries "attracting talent."

All of these results show that the Vietnam-Finland relationship is entering a phase of “equal partnership, sustainable cooperation and mutual development,” in line with the vision towards a green and creative future of both countries.

- Could you please tell us about the importance and significance of General Secretary To Lam's official visit to Finland this time?

Ambassador Pham Thi Thanh Binh : General Secretary To Lam's official visit to the Republic of Finland is of special significance, in terms of politics, economics and comprehensive foreign affairs.

First of all, this is the highest-level visit by a Vietnamese leader to Finland, demonstrating Vietnam's deep respect for the traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation with Finland.

The visit took place at a time when the two countries celebrated the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations (1973-2023), marking a milestone in sustainable cooperation and opening a new phase of cooperation towards the next 50 years.

General Secretary and President To Lam met with Finnish President Alexander Stubb in September 2024. (Photo: Lam Khanh/VNA)

Second, the visit is a new development in bilateral relations, creating momentum for shaping strategic cooperation in future fields. The two sides are expected to have in-depth discussions on cooperation orientations in the fields of economics, trade, investment, science and technology, innovation, education and training, environment and clean energy, areas in which Finland has strengths and Vietnam is prioritizing development.

Third, the visit also has strategic significance in enhancing political trust, people-to-people exchanges and business connections between the two countries, while demonstrating Vietnam’s growing role and position in the international arena. This is also an opportunity for both sides to reaffirm their commitment to peace, sustainable development, multilateralism and a rules-based international order.

It can be said that General Secretary To Lam's visit is a symbol of a new era of cooperation between Vietnam and Finland, an era of innovation, knowledge and green development, contributing to bringing the relationship between the two countries to a new, deeper and more comprehensive level.

- Could you please tell us about the highlights of General Secretary To Lam's visit to Finland this time?

Ambassador Pham Thi Thanh Binh : General Secretary To Lam's official visit to the Republic of Finland had many important highlights, demonstrating the depth, strategy and comprehensiveness of the relationship between the two countries.

General Secretary To Lam will hold talks and meet with senior Finnish leaders, discuss cooperation orientations in the coming period, and witness the signing of important cooperation documents between the two sides in areas that are new pillars to promote substantive, effective, and sustainable cooperation.

In addition to political and foreign affairs activities, the General Secretary will meet and exchange with representatives of large Finnish enterprises and visit a number of typical economic and educational establishments that are cooperating with Vietnam to promote economic, scientific-technological, educational and innovation connections between the two countries.

The main production line (spinning tower) is provided by NEXTROM (Finland) to Post and Telecommunications Equipment Joint Stock Company (Postef). (Photo: Minh Quyet/VNA)

In addition, the visit will also include cultural exchange activities, meetings with the Vietnamese community and Finnish friends, demonstrating the spirit of "cultural diplomacy, people's diplomacy" - a humane, close and meaningful highlight.

In particular, the concert program with the participation of People's Artist Bui Cong Duy and the Helsinki Metropolitan Orchestra is a beautiful symbol of friendship and cultural exchange between the two peoples.

This visit not only deepens the traditional friendship but also creates new momentum for bilateral cooperation, contributing to realizing the vision of green, creative and sustainable development that the two countries share.

- Thank you very much, Ambassador./.

(TTXVN/Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/chuyen-tham-phan-lan-cua-tong-bi-thu-to-lam-la-bieu-tuong-cho-ky-nguyen-hop-tac-moi-post1070955.vnp