President Truong Tan Sang hosted a reception in Ha Noi on March 20 for Norway’s Crown Prince Haakon Magnus and Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who are on a visit to Viet Nam.

President Truong Tan Sang (right); Norway’s Crown Prince Haakon Magnus (left) (Photo: VNA)

President Sang stressed that international partners, including Norway, have greatly contributed to Viet Nam’s achievements over the past time.

He agreed with the Crown Prince’s proposal on the priorities of cooperation between the two countries in economic development and human rights improvement.

Interested in the fields Norway holds advantages like its maritime industry, aquatic product processing and climate change adaptation, the State leader said he hopes that Norwegian firms accompanying the Crown Prince during this visit will grasp the opportunity and sign cooperation agreements with Vietnamese partners.

Regarding human rights, President Sang confirmed that Viet Nam always pays attention to this issue during its national construction and defence.

The country is implementing policies to strengthen connections between the State and people, thus further promoting democracy, he added.

Crown Prince Haakon Magnus said that he was impressed by Viet Nam’s socio-economic achievements, especially in poverty reduction.

Positive changes in the two countries’ relations have opened up more opportunities to intensify cooperation, particularly in the sharing of experience in global issues.

Norwegian businesses are interested in the Vietnamese market, Haakon said, adding that this visit will help the two countries foster collaboration in the maritime industry, aquatic product processing and hydropower.

He also expressed his belief that as a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Viet Nam can better protect the human rights of its people and others around the world.

(Source: VNA)