Stockholm, June 14, 2025 – The Europe Today: Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính of Vietnam held official talks with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson on Friday morning in Stockholm, marking a key engagement in his official visit to the European nation.
Prime Minister Kristersson extended a warm welcome to Prime Minister Chính, his spouse, and the accompanying high-ranking Vietnamese delegation. He expressed confidence that the visit would provide fresh impetus to bilateral relations between Sweden and Vietnam.
During the talks, Prime Minister Chính conveyed greetings from General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Tô Lâm, President Lương Cường, and National Assembly Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn to the Swedish leadership. He underscored that the visit reflects the deep-rooted traditional friendship and expanding multifaceted cooperation between the two countries.
Highlighting the historical bonds, PM Chính recalled Sweden’s pivotal role as the first Western country to establish diplomatic ties with Vietnam in 1969 and as a major supporter of Vietnam’s post-war reconstruction. He particularly paid tribute to the late Swedish Prime Minister Olof Palme, a steadfast supporter of Vietnam’s struggle for independence, and shared that he had visited the Palme family during his stay.
PM Chính also expressed appreciation to Sweden for presenting a documentary by director Bo Öhlén capturing Swedish public celebrations of Vietnam’s reunification on April 30, 1975. He cited enduring symbols of the bilateral relationship such as the Vietnam-Sweden Children’s Hospital, Uông Bí General Hospital, and Bãi Bằng Paper Mill.
During the meeting, the two prime ministers reviewed developments in each country and identified key areas to elevate bilateral cooperation. PM Kristersson congratulated Vietnam on its socio-economic progress and affirmed Sweden’s commitment to enhancing ties in trade, investment, green transition, digital transformation, climate action, and sustainable development.
Both sides agreed it was timely to renew and advance the relationship, emphasizing the need for greater exchanges at all levels, including high-level and people-to-people contacts, to bolster political trust and open new areas of cooperation.
PM Chính advocated for strengthening defense and security cooperation, along with the exchange of strategic views, particularly amid complex global developments. The leaders also agreed to reinforce coordination at international and regional forums, including the United Nations, ASEAN, and the EU, and to support each other in advancing Vietnam–EU and Sweden–ASEAN relations.
Prime Minister Chính highlighted the complementary strengths of both economies, citing Vietnam’s large market and workforce, and Sweden’s technological and innovation capacities. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to fully implement the EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), with the goal of increasing bilateral trade to US$3 billion.
PM Chính urged Sweden to advocate for the swift ratification of the EU–Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) by remaining EU member states and to support the lifting of the “yellow card” on Vietnam’s seafood exports.
PM Kristersson expressed pride in Ericsson’s early presence and contributions in Vietnam’s telecom sector. The two leaders agreed to upgrade ties to a sectoral strategic partnership in science, technology, and innovation, with cooperation focusing on emerging sectors such as semiconductors, nuclear energy, and the green and digital transitions. They pledged to enhance training and the development of high-quality human resources.
The Vietnamese leader also called for increased Swedish investment in areas aligned with Vietnam’s development goals, including renewable energy, urban development, circular economy, and innovation.
On cultural and people-to-people cooperation, both sides committed to deepening exchanges in culture, tourism, and sports. PM Chính expressed gratitude for Sweden’s support to the Vietnamese community and requested continued assistance for their integration and contributions to Sweden’s society and economy.
Addressing regional and global issues, the two leaders reaffirmed support for peaceful conflict resolution based on the UN Charter and international law. On the East Sea (South China Sea), they emphasized peaceful dispute resolution in accordance with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), affirming their commitment to upholding peace, stability, and freedom of navigation.
Prime Minister Chính extended an invitation to Prime Minister Kristersson to visit Vietnam, which was accepted with pleasure.
Following the talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of a sectoral strategic partnership agreement on science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation between Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology and Sweden’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs, marking a significant milestone in bilateral relations.
