The two leaders expressed their delight at the positive development of Vietnam - Sweden over the years, and noted that to elevate their ties, both countries should increase high-level exchanges and people-to-people interactions to enhance political trust and mutual understanding. They should also strengthen defence and security cooperation to share experiences and viewpoints on global issues amid an unpredictable and rapidly changing international environment.

In addition, they said, both countries should deepen coordination at multilateral forums by supporting each other at the United Nations, within the ASEAN - EU framework, and in strengthening Vietnam - EU and Sweden - ASEAN relations.

The two sides stressed the need to enhance bilateral economic cooperation by effectively implementing the EU - Vietnam free trade agreement (EVFTA) to boost trade and investment, aiming to raise their trade to US$3 billion in the coming time.

Chinh proposed that Sweden lobby other EU member states to soon ratify the EU-vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) and support removing the IUU yellow card on Vietnamese seafood.

Kristersson, in turn, expressed pride in Sweden's early technological cooperation with Vietnam, notably through Ericsson’s longstanding presence in the country.

Both leaders agreed to elevate their bilateral relationship to a sectoral strategic partnership in science, technology, and innovation. They also pledged to bolster cooperation in fields such as nuclear energy, semiconductors, green and digital transitions, and innovative technologies.

The two leaders also underlined the need to strengthen education and training partnerships, particularly in the development of high-quality human resources.

Chinh encouraged Swedish enterprises to expand investment in Vietnam, especially in sectors that match Vietnam’s development priorities, including innovation; green, digital, and circular economies; renewable energy; and urban planning.

With regard to cultural, sports, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges, the two sides agreed to share experience in cultural policy-making, promote tourism cooperation, and facilitate travel to encourage mutual visits.

Chinh also requested that the Government of Sweden continue to create favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community living and working in Sweden, helping them integrate successfully and act as a bridge for bilateral friendship.

On regional and international issues of mutual interest, the two leaders emphasised the importance of peaceful solutions to conflicts, grounded in respect for the United Nations Charter and international law. Regarding the East Sea internationally known as the South China Sea, both countries reaffirmed their support for peaceful dispute resolution in line with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), to ensure peace, stability, and freedom of navigation and overflight in this vital global trade route.

On this occasion, Chinh extended an invitation to Kristersson to visit Vietnam soon, and the invitation was accepted with pleasure.

Following the talks, the two PMs witnessed the signing of a Sectoral Strategic Partnership Agreement on cooperation in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation between Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology and Sweden’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

Forum sets new momentum for Vietnam-Sweden ties in green and digital transformation

VOV.VN - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa co-chaired the Vietnam–Sweden Business Forum in Stockholm on June 12 afternoon (local time), as part of the Vietnamese Government leader’s official visit.