Joint Statement on the Establishment of Strategic Partnership between the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Republic of Finland

At the invitation of Finnish President Alexander Stubb, General Secretary To Lam paid an official visit to Finland from October 20-22. During the visit, the two leaders agreed to upgrade the relationship between the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Republic of Finland to a strategic partnership. The following is the full text of the Joint Statement:

President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb and his wife hosted the official welcoming ceremony for General Secretary To Lam and his wife on an official visit to the Republic of Finland. (Photo: VNA)

The Vietnam-Finland strategic partnership is built on the foundation of 52 years of friendship and cooperation in many fields, based on trust, equality and mutual respect, with the aim of deepening bilateral and multilateral relations for the benefit of the two peoples.

The Strategic Partnership between the two countries also contributes to promoting peace , stability and prosperity in the region and the world, on the basis of compliance with the United Nations Charter, international law and the principles of respecting independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-interference in each other's internal affairs.

The two sides agreed to further increase bilateral high-level visits and contacts through all channels of the Party, State, Government, National Assembly, and local authorities of Vietnam and the Government of Finland, to consolidate political cooperation and enhance mutual understanding.

The two sides agreed to establish an annual strategic consultation mechanism on regional and international issues, coordinate in addressing traditional and non-traditional security challenges, as well as review and update cooperation activities in bilateral relations, including bilateral discussions in the fields of defense and security.

The two sides emphasized the importance of close cooperation in regional and international organizations, affirmed support for multilateralism and full respect for and compliance with international law, and resolved disputes by peaceful means on the basis of international law.

Key areas of cooperation include:

1. Political-diplomatic cooperation

The two sides pledged to increase high-level delegation exchanges at all levels to strengthen political trust and mutual understanding. At the same time, they stressed the need to continue close cooperation in international and regional organizations, support multilateralism, resolve disputes by peaceful means and comply with international law.

2. Economic-trade-investment cooperation

The two sides agreed that economic cooperation is an important pillar in the Strategic Partnership. The two countries will promote two-way trade and investment turnover, taking advantage of existing bilateral and multilateral agreements. Finland will be a bridge to help Vietnamese goods access the EU market, while Vietnam will be a strategic destination for Finnish businesses in Asia.

The two sides pledged to promote a transparent, fair and non-discriminatory trade and investment environment; increase business meetings and exchanges as well as access to finance.

3. Science and technology cooperation, innovation and digital transformation

The two sides will promote cooperation programs in the fields of e-government, online public services, circular economy, artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductor technology, 5G/6G telecommunications networks and green technologies.

The two sides expressed their desire to strengthen the innovative startup ecosystem, innovation acceleration programs, as well as enhance capacity in the areas of digital governance, smart infrastructure and emerging technologies.

General Secretary To Lam and President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb held talks. (Photo: VNA)

4. Cooperation in education, training, labor and development

The two sides expressed their desire to promote exchange programs, academic exchanges, scholarships and implement joint programs and projects in the fields of: fostering management and leadership capacity, educational technology, retraining and training to improve capacity and skills.

Development cooperation will focus on the following areas: innovation, environmental sustainability and climate change response, through taking advantage of Finland's preferential credit programs to implement projects in Vietnam, prioritizing initiatives on innovation and green development.

5. Cooperation in agriculture-environment, energy, infrastructure, transportation

The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in the fields of agriculture, forestry, aquaculture and circular economy, focusing on digital transformation, resource management and climate change response.

The two sides also agreed to strengthen energy cooperation to promote Vietnam's transition to renewable energy, focusing on energy efficiency and emissions reduction.

In the fields of infrastructure and transportation, the two sides pledged to promote cooperation in developing smart cities, green seaports, aviation and logistics, with a focus on applying high technology and automation.

6. People-to-people exchange and local cooperation

The two sides agreed to promote partnership, cooperation between enterprises, cultural and people-to-people exchanges to strengthen friendship and enhance mutual understanding. The two sides also pledged to promote the signing and implementation of cooperation agreements between localities of the two countries.

7. Implementation and next steps

General Secretary To Lam thanked President Alexander Stubb and the delegates.
The Finnish leaders and people gave the General Secretary, his wife and the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation a warm welcome and respectful invitation.
President Alexander Stubb to visit Vietnam soon.

Based on the content of the Joint Statement, the Foreign Ministers of the two countries will
be responsible for coordinating with relevant ministries and branches to develop an action plan as soon as possible to implement the above goals.

Source: https://nhandan.vn/tuyen-bo-chung-ve-viec-thiet-lap-quan-h-doi-tac-chien-luoc-giua-communist-socialism-vietnam-va-communist-phan-lan-post916983.html