(VOVworld)- The King of Norway Harald V has appreciated Vietnam’s dynamic development and the country’s efforts in strengthening the relationship and cooperation between the two countries.

Norwegian King Harald V (Source: ivarfjeld.com)

At a recent meeting with outgoing Vietnamese Ambassador to Norway Le Thi Tuyet Mai, the King praised active contributions made by the diplomat to promoting the bilateral ties.

He said he hopes the ambassador will continue contributing to the relations in her new position in the coming time.

The King recalled his State-level visit to Vietnam in 2004 and the official visit of Crown Prince Haakon Magnus and Princess Mette Marit to the country in 2014, saying that he was impressed by friendly and hospitable people and beautiful landscapes in the country.

For her part, Ambassador Mai thanked the King and the Royal Family for their support during her working tenure in Norway.

The Vietnamese State, National Assembly and Government highly value endeavours of the Norwegian Royal Family, Government and Parliament to step up the multi-faceted cooperation between the two countries as well as create favourable conditions for overseas Vietnamese to live and work in the country, she said.

She promised to do her best, in any capacity, to further foster the bilateral relationship.

Vietnam is now one of Norway’s important trade partners in Southeast Asia and a potential market for Norwegian investors in the region.

Meanwhile, Vietnam considers Norway a vital partner, which can help the country realise its sustainable developments goals in the fields of fishery, aquaculture, environmental protection and climate change adaptation, education-training, gender equality, IT and cultural exchange.

As of June 2016, two-way trade between the two countries reached about 189 million USD.

The two countries is looking to expand their investment and trade links, especially in maritime economic development, as negotiations on a free trade agreement between Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), which comprises Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, are going to be concluded.