President Halonen in Vietnam

President of the Republic Tarja Halonen's tour of Southeast Asia continued with a state visit to Vietnam on 21-23 February. On Thursday, 21 February, President Halonen met with President Nguyen Minh Triet and other political leaders in Vietnam. Talks focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation between Finland and Vietnam in the fields of sustainable forestry, energy and environmental technology, and information and communications technology in addition to traditional fields such as infrastructure and water projects. Developing educational cooperation and student exchange was also discussed.

President Halonen met with President Nguyen Minh Triet in Hanoi.
Copyright © Office of the President of the Republic of Finland

After the talks an investment protection agreement as well as cooperation agreements in a number of sectors were signed. At a press conference that was held afterwards, President Halonen noted that both countries must now see that the agreements are implemented swiftly and effectively. "These agreements are proof that relations between Finland and Vietnam are moving to a new stage," she said.

Vietnam is one of Finland's long-term development cooperation partners, and the goal is to broaden cooperation between the two countries by increasing trade and investment activities.

The Vietnamese economy has grown rapidly in recent years, at an annual rate of about 8%. President Halonen pointed out that in addition to economic growth it is important to make sure that development is socially fair and ecologically sustainable. "This places obligations on both countries," she emphasized.

President Halonen and President Triet also discussed the human rights situation in Vietnam and the use of the death penalty.

The programme during the state visit also includes a business seminar, a panel on women's position and equality, and a trip to the Haiphong area, where President Halonen will learn more about development cooperation projects that have received Finnish funds.

President Halonen and Dr Arajärvi began their tour of Southeast Asia with a state visit to Indonesia on 18-19 February. From there they travelled to Singapore on 20 February and then to Vietnam.

President Halonen was accompanied by Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Paavo Väyrynen and a high-level business delegation led by Mr Antti Herlin, the Chairman of the Board of the Confederation of Finnish Industries.

After her state visit President Halonen and Dr Arajärvi will remain in Vietnam for a short holiday. They will return to Finland on 29 February.

President Halonen visiting Southeast Asia

Keynote speech at the Finland–Vietnam Business Forum

Speech at a dinner on the state visit to Vietnam

Photos of the visit