Finland and Vietnam Celebrating 40th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations
Official relations between Finland and Viet Nam go back to the year 1972, when on 28th December Finland recognized the then Democratic Republic of Viet Nam. Exactly 40 years ago, 25th January 1973, Finland and Vietnam established their diplomatic ties, two days before the signing of the Paris Peace agreement. Embassy of Finland in Hanoi was established in 1974.
Embassy of Finland in Hanoi organized a reception on the eve of the diplomatic ties establishment, with the presence of Finland’s Minister for International Development, Heidi Hautala and Vietnam’s Minister of Culture, Sport and Tourism, Hoang Tuan Anh. Celebration gathered together approximately 250 Finnish and Vietnamese, including the Finnish community in Vietnam, businesses, development partners and diplomatic representatives.
In her speech, Minister Hautala emphasised concrete cooperation between the two countries. Finland has done its best to assist Viet Nam to reach its goal of becoming a modern industrialized country by 2020. Minister Hautala expressed that as Viet Nam has reached the middle income country status, new ways of cooperation are being developed, including trying to build lasting partnerships between Finnish and Vietnamese institutions, universities and companies and promoting trade between the two countries.
Minister Hautala will continue her trip today to Central Vietnam, together with the press and Clean Tech business delegation. This will also be the first time when official business delegation visits Danang, the economic center of Central Vietnam, forming a good continuation for future cooperation.
With the slogan “Working for a Balanced Future”, Embassy of Finland in Hanoi will organise special events throughout the 40th anniversary year of diplomatic relations. These will include cultural events such as a Finnish poster exhibition travelling to nine provinces as well as business-partnership and education seminars.