Vietnam’s Party chief leaves for Finland for official visit

The visit, accompanied by his spouse Ngo Phuong Ly and a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation, is made at the invitation of Finnish President Alexander Stubb.

According to Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang, the visit carries a strong message of sincere affection and high regard of the Party, state, and people of Vietnam for Finland -- a country that actively supported Vietnam both during its struggle for national defense and its ongoing process of development.

Finland was among the first Nordic countries to recognize and establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam.

For decades, Finland has been an important development aid partner, contributing to projects in clean water supply, poverty reduction, climate change adaptation, and forestry.

Many Vietnamese still affectionately refer to ‘Finnish clean water’ as a symbol of friendship and enduring cooperation.

Hang said the visit offers an opportunity for both sides to refresh and elevate bilateral relations, fostering trust and expanding cooperation in emerging fields.

Key areas of potential include digital economy, green economy, circular economy, science and technology, maritime cooperation, renewable energy, and high-tech agriculture -- sectors in which Finland has strengths and Vietnam seeks growth.

Beyond bilateral ties, the visit also helps enhance Vietnam’s engagement with the broader Nordic region, and reinforces its role as a bridge connecting Finland with ASEAN and the EU with ASEAN, contributing to strengthening regional connection amid the world’s complex and fast-changing challenges.

Hang expressed confidence that the Party chief’s visit will open a new phase of dynamic, breakthrough cooperation between Vietnam and Finland.

After more than five decades of diplomatic relations, Finland remains one of Vietnam’s most important partners in Northern Europe, with ties shifting from development assistance to mutually beneficial collaboration.

Two-way trade has grown steadily, reaching US$422.5 million in 2024 and more than $279 million in the first nine months of 2025.

Cooperation in education and training has also expanded, with nearly 20 Vietnamese universities partnering with Finnish institutions and over 2,500 Vietnamese students studying in Finland in fields such as business, IT, and tourism.

Collaboration in science and technology, culture, sports, tourism, and labor has advanced positively, while new fields like circular economy, high-tech agriculture, green transition, and renewable energy promise to shape the next stage of partnership between the two nations.