Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang said that General Secretary To Lam's visit to Finland is a clear demonstration of the foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralization, diversification, proactiveness, active and active comprehensive and extensive international integration, and is also an important foreign activity to promote the implementation of Resolution No. 59 on international integration in the new situation.
The visit carries a message of the sincere affection and respect of the Party, State and people of Vietnam for Finland, which has actively helped Vietnam in the past struggle to protect the Fatherland and the current cause of national construction and development.
Finland is one of the first Nordic countries to recognize and establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam.For decades, Finland has been an important development aid partner of Vietnam, focusing on areas such as water supply and drainage, hunger eradication and poverty reduction, climate change, forestry, etc., contributing significantly to the socio-economic development of Vietnam.Up to now, "Clean water of Finland" has been mentioned by Vietnamese people as a symbol of friendship and effective and persistent help from Finnish friends.Many projects in remote areas have contributed to improving and enhancing the lives of Vietnamese people.
The visit is also an important opportunity for the two countries to look back on good cooperation achievements in the past as well as propose major orientations, renew relations, create momentum, bring traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation to new heights.
Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang affirmed that in addition to enhancing political trust between Vietnam and Finland, the General Secretary's working trip this time will create opportunities for more comprehensive cooperation in many fields, especially in potential areas such as digital economy, green economy, circular economy, science - technology, maritime, renewable energy, high-tech agriculture, etc. These are the areas that Vietnam prioritizes while Finland has strengths and experience.Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang said that over time, the Vietnam - Finland relationship has shifted from development cooperation to mutually beneficial cooperation.
Two-way trade turnover has grown continuously in recent years, reaching 422.5 million USD in 2024 and reaching more than 279 million USD in the first 9 months of 2025.Cooperation in the field of education and training has been expanded, there are currently nearly 20 Vietnamese higher education institutions cooperating effectively with Finnish partners and more than 2,500 Vietnamese international students studying in Finland in the fields of economy, information technology, and tourism.Cooperation in other fields such as science - technology, culture - sports, tourism, labor, etc. has developed positively.
Cooperation in new areas such as circular economy, high-tech agriculture, green transformation, renewable energy, etc. promises to bring new cooperation frameworks suitable to the potential and needs of each side.The visit will contribute to strengthening and enhancing the relationship between Vietnam and Finland, promoting existing cooperation mechanisms, orienting new cooperation mechanisms, and deepening specialized cooperation, especially in strategic areas.Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang believes that General Secretary To Lam's visit will open a new phase, creating a strong and breakthrough change in cooperation with Finland; bringing many positive results for the benefit of the people of the two countries, actively contributing to peace, stability, cooperation and sustainable development in each region and the world.
