General Secretary To Lam visits Finland: Cooperation, innovation and sharing the future

Vietnamese Ambassador to Finland Pham Thi Thanh Binh believes that General Secretary To Lam's official visit to Finland will open a new phase of cooperation between the two countries, which is more substantial, effective and sustainable, in line with the spirit of cooperation, innovation and sharing that the two peoples are aiming for.

General Secretary To Lam and his wife, along with a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation, will pay an official visit to Finland from October 20-22. (Photo: Nguyen Hong)

On the occasion of General Secretary To Lam and his wife and a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation's official visit to Finland from October 20-22 at the invitation of Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Vietnamese Ambassador to Finland Pham Thi Thanh Binh shared with The Gioi va Viet Nam Newspaper the significance and expectations of the visit, which is especially important for bilateral relations.

How does the Ambassador assess the significance of the upcoming visit to Finland by General Secretary To Lam and his wife and the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation?

The official visit to Finland by General Secretary To Lam and his wife along with a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation is a political and diplomatic event of special significance, marking a new milestone in the traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation between Vietnam and Finland.

This is the first visit to Finland by a top Vietnamese leader, demonstrating Vietnam's consistent policy of valuing relations with Finland, a potential partner with a leading position in the European Union (EU) in innovation, education, green transformation and knowledge-based economy.

The visit took place in the context of the two countries celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations (1973-2023), an important milestone opening a new phase of cooperation, affirming political trust, strengthening cooperation in traditional fields such as education - training, science - technology, environment, agriculture, while expanding to new fields such as digital transformation, renewable energy and circular economy, directions in line with the sustainable development vision of both countries.

In addition to its political and economic significance, the visit also has profound spiritual significance. General Secretary To Lam will meet with the Vietnamese community in Finland and Northern Europe, listen to their thoughts and encourage their spirit, thereby further strengthening the bond between the Vietnamese community and the homeland. In particular, the General Secretary will meet with Vietnamese students in Finland, demonstrating the concern of the highest leadership for the young generation, encouraging them to study, cultivate knowledge and contribute to the country's development.

I believe that this visit will open a new phase of cooperation between Vietnam and Finland, which is more substantial, effective and sustainable, in line with the rising era of the Vietnamese people, as well as the spirit of cooperation, innovation and sharing that the two peoples are striving for.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Finland Pham Thi Thanh Binh. (Photo: Nguyen Hong)

During the visit, what are the expected highlights of General Secretary To Lam's activities? What are the Ambassador's expectations for this special visit and the momentum for bilateral relations?

During the official visit to Finland by General Secretary To Lam, many important activities are expected to take place, demonstrating the depth, strategic vision and comprehensiveness of the bilateral relationship between the two countries.

First of all, the General Secretary will hold talks and meetings with senior Finnish leaders to discuss in-depth the development orientation of Vietnam-Finland relations in the new period, as well as international and regional issues of mutual concern. The leaders are expected to witness the signing and exchange of a number of bilateral cooperation documents, opening up new cooperation opportunities in the fields of sustainable development, green agriculture, and circular economy.

In addition to official activities, the General Secretary will visit and work with a number of typical economic and educational establishments in Finland, as well as meet Vietnamese students studying there. These activities clearly demonstrate Vietnam's vision in cooperation in innovation and development of high-quality human resources.

Another highlight of the visit was the friendly meeting with the Vietnamese community not only in Finland but also in the Nordic region, demonstrating the concern of senior leaders for overseas Vietnamese, while affirming the policy of the Party and State to always consider the Vietnamese community abroad as an inseparable part of the Vietnamese nation.

In addition, within the framework of the visit, the Vietnamese Embassy in Finland will coordinate to organize a concert with the participation of the Helsinki Metropolitan Orchestra and People's Artist Bui Cong Duy. This is a unique cultural exchange activity, demonstrating the spirit of connection and honoring the artistic values ​​of the two peoples of Vietnam and Finland.

I believe that this visit will create new momentum for the friendship and cooperation between the two countries, not only in traditional fields such as education, science and technology, innovation, environment and energy, but also expanding to new fields in line with global development trends such as digital transformation, food security and green growth.

This is also an opportunity for Vietnam to affirm the image of a dynamic, innovative country, proactively integrating deeply into the international community, a reliable, responsible partner with great potential for cooperation with Finland and Europe in the era of the Vietnamese nation's rise.

"This is the first visit to Finland by a top leader of Vietnam, demonstrating Vietnam's consistent policy of valuing relations with Finland, a potential partner with a leading position in the European Union (EU) in innovation, education, green transformation and knowledge economy." (Ambassador Pham Thi Thanh Binh)

Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang worked with Permanent Secretary of State for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland Jumka Salovaara during a working visit to Finland on September 26. (Photo: Bao Chi)

Ambassador, please describe the traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation between Vietnam and Finland over the past five decades in three words and explain your choice?

If I had to choose three words to describe the relationship between Vietnam and Finland, I would choose: Companionship – Innovation – Future.

“Accompanying”, because for more than half a century, Finland has always been a trusted friend, standing side by side with Vietnam in the process of building and developing the country. Since the years when Vietnam faced many difficulties, Finland has supported us in many important areas such as education, clean water, environment, agriculture and sustainable resource management.

That friendship has endured over time and has been inherited and developed in the new period. Today, the two countries have successfully transformed from a development cooperation relationship to an equal and mutually beneficial partnership — a testament to Vietnam’s remarkable development and to the long-term, humane vision of Finland’s policies.

“Innovation”, because both Vietnam and Finland consider knowledge and creativity as the driving force of development. The two countries are closely cooperating in areas such as digital transformation, education, science and technology, and green growth. These are the areas that open up new momentum for bilateral relations in the era of globalization.

And finally, “Future”, because the Vietnam-Finland relationship is not only built on the foundation of history and traditional friendship, but also towards a future of harmonious, sustainable and creative development, joining hands for peace and prosperity of the region and the world.

Those three words represent both the past journey and the direction for the journey ahead of the friendly relationship between the two peoples of Vietnam and Finland.

Ambassador Pham Thi Thanh Binh with delegates at the 80th Anniversary of Vietnam National Day in Finland.

Finland is one of the countries that prioritizes the development of science and technology, innovation, education and training, and recently has also focused on the semiconductor industry in the trend of digital transformation and technological autonomy in Europe. According to the Ambassador, what should the two countries do to promote mutually beneficial cooperation in these areas, contributing to the socio-economic development of each country in the coming time?

Finland has long been known as a world leader in education, science, technology and innovation, with proud achievements in areas such as digital technology, clean energy, artificial intelligence and semiconductors. These are also areas that Vietnam is prioritizing strong development to achieve the goal of transforming the growth model, towards a knowledge-based, green and sustainable economy.

To promote mutually beneficial cooperation, I believe that there are three key directions of cooperation that the two sides can promote in the coming time:

Firstly, strengthening strategic connections between research institutions, universities and businesses of the two countries. Finland has strengths in innovation models based on the “state-business-academy” linkage, while Vietnam has a dynamic market, young human resources and a desire for integration. This connection will open up opportunities to form research and innovation centers or joint projects in areas of both sides’ strengths such as digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI) and sustainable development.

Second, the two countries can promote cooperation in training and developing high-quality human resources, especially in the semiconductor industry, green technology and digital education. Vietnam wishes to learn from the advanced educational experience of Finland, a country with an educational model that is considered the most humane, modern and practical in the world.

Third, promote the role of businesses and expert communities of the two countries in implementing specific cooperation projects. The Vietnamese Embassy in Finland is ready to act as a bridge, supporting and promoting substantive cooperation between agencies, organizations and businesses of the two sides.

I believe that, with the foundation of traditional friendship and the spirit of innovation, equal cooperation and mutual benefit, Vietnam and Finland can fully resonate the power of knowledge and creativity, together contributing to socio-economic development, green transformation and sustainable future of both countries.

Vietnam Day 2025 for the first time in Finland, August 16.

After more than two years working in Finland, what about the country and its people has left the strongest impression on the Ambassador?

What impressed me most about Finland and the Finnish people was their simplicity, sincerity and steadfast spirit – qualities that are typical of a people who live in harmony with nature, value knowledge and uphold community values, and are also the qualities that have helped Finland be the happiest country in the world for 8 consecutive years.

I especially admire the “Sisu” spirit, the Finnish spirit of overcoming difficulties. It is perseverance, courage and determination to move forward, regardless of challenges. It is this spirit that makes Finland constantly innovate, create and lead in many fields, from education, technology, to green transformation and social governance.

Finnish people are humble but sincere, few words but profound, and always respect differences. In their relations with Vietnam, they are trustworthy, straightforward and enthusiastic friends.

I am also impressed by the Finnish spirit of creativity and love of beauty, which is reflected in all areas, from design, education, to the way they preserve the environment and cultural heritage. Despite being a small country in terms of population, Finland is always among the world leaders in education, innovation and happiness, thanks to the way they invest in people, putting people at the center of all policies.

To me, Finland is not only a beautiful Nordic country but also an inspiring companion for Vietnam on the path of sustainable, green and creative development.

Thank you very much, Ambassador!

"I believe that this visit will open a new phase of cooperation between Vietnam and Finland, which is more substantial, effective and sustainable, in line with the era of the Vietnamese people's rise, as well as the spirit of cooperation, innovation and sharing that the two peoples are striving for." (Ambassador Pham Thi Thanh Binh)

Finland is not only a beautiful Nordic country but also an inspiring companion for Vietnam on the path of sustainable, green and creative development. (Source: Getty Images)

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