Norway pledges support to Vietnam’s green growth

Hanoi, September 16 (VNA) – Norway has committed to supporting Vietnam to develop green growth, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and deal with the challenges of climate change. The commitment was declared during talks between the Norwegian Parliament’s Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence and the Vietnamese National Assembly’s Defence and Security Committee in Hanoi on September 15. The Vietnamese side wished to continue working together with Norway in bomb and mine clearance, education and training, maritime, energy and the shipbuilding industry. Both sides stressed the need for the two countries to be more active in sharing their experience in legislative matters to reinforce bilateral ties. These contents were later briefed to National Assembly Vice Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan by Anniken Huitfeldt, Chairwoman of the Norwegian Parliament’s Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence the same day. Ngan spoke highly of the delegation’s visit, describing it as a contribution to further consolidating and developing the solid friendship and cooperation between the two legislative bodies and the two countries in general. She thanked Norway for supporting Vietnam during the process of nation-building, economic development and international integration. Vietnam has always held its relations with Norway in high regard, she said, suggesting both sides continue their high-ranking delegation exchanges in order to reinforce political trust and boost bilateral economic and trade ties. The Vice Chairwoman proposed the Norwegian Parliament encourage more Norwegian businesses to invest in Vietnam in fields of mutual interest, affirming that Vietnam is willing to facilitate smooth business operations. Ngan also expressed her gratitude for Norway for the official development assistance (ODA) it provided in the fields of education, gender equality, health, the environment, natural resources management, and bomb and mine clearance. The assistance has been used efficiently, partly helping Vietnam in achieving a number of United Nations Millennium Development Goals ahead of schedule, Ngan said.-VNA