On 6 November 2012, Swedish ambassador Camilla Mellander presented her credentials to the President of Vietnam, Truong Tan Sang. After the ceremony, the two had a friendly talk where they stressed the strong relationship between the two countries.
The talk between Ambassador Mellander and President Sang was conducted in a friendly and constructive manner. Both parties stressed the longstanding ties of friendship between the two countries and the good possibility of dialogue and cooperation on a wide variety of topics in the future.
Ambassador Mellander pointed out that the relationship with Vietnam is now entering into a new phase. During the 43 years that Sweden and Vietnam has had diplomatic relations, the development cooperation has been a central component.
Vietnam has now achieved middle-income status, fulfilled several of the Millennium Development Goals and opened itself to the outside world. Expressing Sweden’s concern over Vietnam’s record on human rights, Ambassador Mellander said that Sweden wants a constructive dialogue about the problems.
She also underlined the two countries’ considerable knowledge about each other, and the complementarities between their respective economies.
“We want our excellent relations with Vietnam to evolve into a broader, more equal friendship for the future,” Ambassador Mellander concluded.
President Sang welcomed Ambassador Mellander to Vietnam and thanked Sweden for the long-lasting support that Sweden has extended to Vietnam. President Sang pointed out that Sweden is among Vietnam’s closest friends in the West and that Vietnam is open to cooperation with Sweden in many different fields.
The ceremony ended with an audience toasting to the continuation of the good relationship between the two countries. They also wish Ambassador Mellander good luck in coming years in Vietnam.
