As Vietnam and Norway celebrate 55 years of diplomatic relations in 2026, both nations have committed to enhancing their cooperation in trade, renewable energy, and maritime development. This commitment was underscored during a meeting in Hanoi between Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang and Norwegian State Secretary Astrid Bergmål. The discussions aimed to deepen economic ties and political dialogue between the two countries.
A significant outcome from this meeting was the emphasis on the recently concluded Free Trade Agreement between Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) member states. Deputy Foreign Minister Hang highlighted the importance of completing ratification procedures swiftly to facilitate market access, foster business partnerships, and provide greater certainty for investors.
The two countries also focused on their Green Strategic Partnership, established in April, which aims to support sustainable development and the transition to cleaner energy sources. Vietnam encouraged Norwegian businesses to increase investments in renewable energy, maritime transport, shipbuilding, and other sectors critical for sustainable growth.
Norwegian officials expressed an interest in expanding cooperation in areas such as marine management, sustainable aquaculture, and green shipping. Both countries discussed sharing technology and expertise to promote carbon neutrality and strengthen energy security.
Regional cooperation was another key topic, with Vietnam and Norway agreeing to work closely within the ASEAN-Norway partnership framework for 2026–2030. Their collaboration will focus on the blue economy, energy transition, connectivity, innovation, and sustainable development initiatives.
Additionally, both nations pledged to enhance coordination between their foreign ministries and support each other in regional and international forums, including the United Nations. They reaffirmed their commitment to upholding free trade, international law, and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, emphasizing the importance of these principles in fostering global cooperation and development.