At their talks in Hanoi, the two Prime Ministers said they are delighted at the development of the traditional friendship and cooperation between the two countries since they established diplomatic relations more than 40 years ago.

PM Nguyen Tan Dung praised Norway for its economic growth in recent years, while PM Erna Solberg congratulated Viet Nam on the impressive results the country has made in reducing poverty and carrying out the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

The two sides reached a consensus on doubling efforts to fulfil all the MDGs and enhance bilateral cooperation in the framework of the Post-2015 Global Development Agenda.

The two PMs welcomed the increasingly tightened economic ties between the two nations, and agreed to expand bilateral trade and investment partnership, with focus on marine economy, maritime and energy.

The leaders reiterated the commitments of the two Governments to accelerating the conclusion of the negotiation on the free trade agreement between Viet Nam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).

The two sides agreed to continue exchanging delegations at all levels, especially at high levels, to discuss issues of common concern and organising regular political consultations and dialogues on human rights.

The two PMs shared their views on the significance of international legal institutions, including the role of the United Nations Human Rights Council in protecting and promoting human rights.

They stressed the importance of global efforts to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+) in developing countries, affirming that Viet Nam and Norway will keep up their cooperation in minimising emission in the forestry sector through the UN-REDD programme.

The two sides also agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation at regional and multi-lateral forums. In this connection, they hailed the adoption of the joint statement on the ASEAN-Norway Partnership at the ASEAN Foreign Minister’ Meeting in August last year.

Regarding international and regional issues of common interest, Viet Nam and Norway supported a just and equal international environment under the rule of laws and on a multi-lateral system foundation, with the UN playing the central role in settling international disputes via dialogues and consultation, in accordance with the UN Chapter and international law.

They reaffirmed their commitment to respecting and strengthening the role of international law in ensuring peace, stability and prosperity; promoting security, safety and cooperation in maritime, freedom in maritime, aviation and trade; fighting pirates and armed robbery at sea, in line with the principles of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).-