Swedish Ambassador to Vietnam: “A friend in need is a friend indeed”

TIN LIÊN QUAN
	“Innovate like a Swede” contest launched in Ha Noi
	Friendly exchange held to mark Sweden’s Mid-summer Day

On November 11, the Embassy of Sweden in Ha Noi has organized a press conference on “Celebration of 50 years of Vietnam – Sweden diplomatic relations towards future” at Metropole Ha Noi Hotel where the first Embassy of Sweden was opened.

At the event, Swedish Ambassador to Vietnam Pereric Hogberg opened his remark by an idiom: “A friend in need is a friend indeed” and emphasized that over the past half century “Sweden has been Vietnam’s friend and partner, even in the most difficult times”.

Ambassador Pereric Hogberd emphasized that over the past half century, “Sweden has been Vietnam’s friend and partner, even in the most difficult times”.

Ambassador Pereric Hogberg shared that: “Exactly 50 years ago, on the 11th of January 1969, at the height of the struggle for independence of Vietnam, Sweden became the first Western country to establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam. The Government of Sweden and the Swedish people expressed its support for and its solidarity with the Vietnamese people.”

Regarding the support of Sweden’s government and people in Vietnam’s struggle for national independence as well as the financial and technical assistance to Vietnam in “Doi Moi” economic reform process and poverty reduction, the Ambassador affirmed that “we are very proud of that!”.

According to Ambassador Hogberg, although our bilateral development cooperation ended in 2013, Swedish still provides substantial assistance to the Vietnamese people through different regional aid programs. “Sweden was and is a trusted partner and continues to have a unique relationship with Vietnam”, the Ambassador said.

Swedish Ambassador to Vietnam Pereric Hogberg and Director General of Department of Europe Dinh Toan Thanh at the press conference.

The Swedish Ambassador to Vietnam claimed that, at present, due to massive economic growth and successful reforms, Vietnam is a middle-income country. “Thus, our two countries have taken steps forwards a more equal partnership. The core of the bilateral relationship has shifted primarily to business and trade, which have become increasingly important for both sides in a globalized economy”, he said.

During the past years, even though the relationship between Sweden and Vietnam has changed, Sweden continues to be committed to Vietnam’s future road ahead. Ambassador Hogberg believed that the friendship between the two countries will grow and develop. The commercial, scientific, cultural and civil society relations will continue to blossom.

At the end of the speech, Ambassador Pereric cited Vietnamese folk verses “Yêu nhau vạn sự chẳng nề/ Một trăm chỗ lệch cũng kê cho vừa” and reaffirmed: “Vietnam is bound to continue its success story of economic and social development. Sweden and the Swedish people will always be a friend of Vietnam and the Vietnamese people – yesterday, today and into our joint future!”.

Director General of Department of Europe Dinh Toan Thang.

On behalf of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Director General Dinh Toan Thang, Department of Europe stated that, “over the past half a century, Vietnam and Sweden have always been the travelling companion on a long road with many footprints that other bilateral relationship may not have” and “for the Vietnamese people, Sweden, though far away geographically, is a very close and familiar country with her friendly and affable people”.

Mr. Dinh Toan Thang said, “Vietnam always treasures and is thankful to the sincere and significant moral and material support extended by the government and people of Sweden to our struggle for national independence in the past and today’s national development”.

After 50 years, Vietnam and Sweden have travelled a long way in their national development. Director General of Department of Europe stated that, “Vietnam and Sweden still cherish their bonds and look forward to closer partnership relations on the basis of shared goals of sustainable development and a world of peace and cooperation”.

Vietnam - Sweden: Enduring friendship The close and long-lasting relationship between Vietnam and Sweden was emphasised by Swedish Ambassador to Vietnam, Pereric Högberg, when he spoke with The World & ...

PM Phuc calls for Vietnam-Sweden cooperation expansion Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc suggested Vietnam and Sweden expand cooperation in various realms during his reception for Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallström in Ha ...

Ha Noi promotes ties with Sweden, Norway, Austria A delegation from the city led by permanent Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Council Nguyen Ngoc Tuan visited the three European countries from July ...