President Sang holds talks with Icelandic counterpart

The two State leaders have agreed that the negotiation and conclusion of the bilateral trade agreement (FTA) will create an important pillar for promoting investment and trade ties between Vietnam and Iceland.

On November 4, Icelandic President Olafur Ragnar Republic Grimsson and his spouse began a three-day visit to Vietnam at the invitation of President Truong Tan Sang.

This is the first visit to Vietnam by Olafur Ragnar Grimsson as President of the Republic of Iceland. It is considered an important political event, marking a new milestone in bilateral relations and demonstrating determination of the leaders and people of both countries to deepen their relationship.

At talks in Hanoi with his Icelandic counterpart, President Truong Tan Sang urged both countries to intensify exchanges and contacts at all levels and assist businesses to seek investment opportunities in fishing, seafood processing, and renewable energy.

The Vietnam visit is designed to expand bilateral cooperation, share Iceland’s experiences with Vietnam in fishing and clean energy, and promote cooperation between universities, President Grimsson told his host, adding that Iceland would increase scholarships for Vietnamese students in fishing and renewable energy and help them attend UN training programs in fishing and thermal power in Iceland.

The two Presidents discussed a number of regional and global issues of shared concern including Iceland’s support for Vietnam joining the UN Human Rights Council and the UN Economic and Social Council.

President Sang said he hoped Iceland would support Vietnam’s bid to join the UN Security Council for the 2020-2021 term. They underlined the need to resolve disputes in the East Sea through peaceful measures in line with international law, the UN Charter, and the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

They agreed that all parties should quickly adopt a legally binding Code of Conduct to ensure peace, stability, trade, and navigation and aviation security, freedom, and safety in the East Sea.

President Sang told the media after their talks that Vietnam would do its best to promote its relations with Iceland and the EU.

 “We concurred to boost cooperation in a number of areas in which Iceland had advantages and Vietnam was in need. Vietnam is determined to quickly finalize negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement with the European Free Trade Association for mutual benefit. We believe that that agreement will create opportunities for both countries’ businesses,” Sang said.

President Grimsson in turn stated the early signing of the FTA would be a driving force in bilateral cooperation and agreed to promote negotiations for the early signing of a free trade agreement between Vietnam and Iceland.

The two State leaders also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on geo-thermal power between Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade and Iceland’s Foreign Ministry and a Memorandum of Understanding between the Vietnam National University and Reykjavik University.

At a reception the same day for the Icelandic President, National Assembly (NA) Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung said he hoped that Iceland would continue to support Vietnam in climate change mitigation.

The two sides consented to strengthen parliamentary cooperation and increase mutual support at bilateral and multilateral forums.  

The NA Chairman said being one of countries suffering the most severe impact of climate change, Vietnam is willing to work hand in hand with Iceland and international communities to respond to this danger.

He also told Icelandic President that at its on-going session, the Vietnam legislative body is discussing an action plan to achieve sustainable development goals set out by the United Nations General Assembly at the end of September.

The top legislator asked President Olafur Ragnar Grimsson to support and bolster the cooperation between two legislatures in fields of mutual concern.

He voiced agreement with recommendations made by Iceland in increasing cooperation in fishing and seafood, energy, responses to warming climate and rising sea level, and suggested agriculture as another potential field as this is one of Vietnam’s strengths.

Grimsson for his part affirmed his nation's willingness to share experience with Vietnam in various fields, especially renewable energy industry, fishery, information technology, education and training, climate change and social welfare.

VOV