Although Viet Nam and Sweden are distant geographically, they are closely connected by affection. It was in Stockholm, nearly 60 years ago, on a bitterly cold winter evening in 1968, that the late Swedish Prime Minister Olof Palme—then Minister of Education—carried a torch leading a march protesting the Viet Nam War. That torch ignited a special friendship and cooperation between the two countries, built on steadfast loyalty and deep solidarity.
The Prime Minister’s official visit to Sweden truly links yesterday with today and looks ahead to the future of bilateral relations, delivering the heartfelt emotions of the Vietnamese people to their Swedish friends. Turning back time, in 1969—when Viet Nam’s struggle for independence and national reunification was at its fiercest—Sweden became the first Western country to establish diplomatic relations with Viet Nam, a decision that resonated worldwide. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh expressed his deep emotion, describing it as a difficult yet courageous, just and conscientious decision—a milestone in history.
In meetings with Swedish leaders, public forums and policy speeches at universities, the Prime Minister consistently referenced the late Prime Minister Olof Palme—a great friend of the Vietnamese nation, a pioneer of bilateral friendship, and a leader unwavering in his pursuit of peace, development and equal cooperation among nations. He emphasised that, in the memory of many Vietnamese, Sweden symbolises compassion and heartfelt support.
Sweden was also the first and largest provider of non-refundable aid to Viet Nam, making a vital contribution to the country’s reconstruction after years of war. Projects such as the Viet Nam - Sweden Children’s Hospital, the Viet Nam–Sweden Uong Bi Hospital and the Bai Bang paper mill have become enduring symbols of Sweden’s humanitarian legacy in the hearts of the Vietnamese people. The two peoples are also united by shared intellectual and cultural values; the Vietnamese admire Sweden for the Nobel Prizes and the band ABBA—whose song “Happy New Year” transcends time as a connecting message.
The Prime Minister also noted that, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and national reunification, the Vietnamese people were moved to receive the documentary film Victory Viet Nam, gifted by the Swedish side, which vividly recreates those historic moments—touching the hearts of the entire nation and millions of peace lovers around the world. The Swedish-language version of “Tien Quan Ca” (The marching song) stands as a powerful testament to the enduring solidarity between the two countries.
After nearly 60 years of partnership, cooperation and development, Viet Nam–Sweden relations have demonstrated persistent solidarity, loyalty, trust and action, guided by mutual interests. Beyond Olof Palme, many Swedes have forged emotional bonds with Viet Nam and devoted themselves to its assistance as if it were their “second home.”
In step with the currents of the times, Viet Nam and Sweden now have a historic opportunity to assert themselves as leading regional economies and elevate their friendship and sustainable cooperation to mutual benefit, built on the foundational spirit of a “glorious past, bright future,” contributing to regional and global peace, partnership and prosperity.
On that strong foundation, the meeting between Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson took place in a spirit of mutual understanding, sincerity and trust, achieving success across multiple dimensions. The Vietnamese Prime Minister noted that Sweden and Viet Nam are economies that can support each other—Sweden with strengths in technology, innovation and digital transformation, and Viet Nam with its labour force, market of over 100 million people, and gateway to a dynamic ASEAN region.
Most notably, the two leaders agreed to upgrade relations to a Strategic Partnership in scientific and technological cooperation, innovation, high technology, nuclear energy, semiconductors, green and digital transformation, and enhanced training of high-quality human resources—thereby supporting Viet Nam to “keep pace, advance together, and lead” in the global arena.
At the Viet Nam–Sweden Business Forum, themed “Green transformation, digital transformation, innovation,” businesses from both countries agreed that there remains vast potential for cooperation in science, technology, innovation, telecommunications, green, digital and circular economies, education, training, healthcare, infrastructure development, renewable and nuclear energy, and defence industry. Sweden’s Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, Benjamin Dousa, affirmed that in the context of the world’s current changes, Viet Nam–Sweden have new opportunities and must intensify cooperation across all fields. He noted that Sweden has a high-quality workforce, numerous major enterprises across sectors, advanced and clean technologies, excellent services and a global network—therefore possessing great potential and capacity for fruitful cooperation with Viet Nam.
For his part, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh clarified that the current task for both countries is to harness their historic traditions and foundational values, learn from experience, overcome limitations, and act with stronger determination and vigour to guide Viet Nam–Sweden relations into a new era. He emphasised the need to inspire and create momentum for businesses and governments alike to refresh existing drivers and foster new ones; the cooperation space is still large, so enterprises from both countries must take the lead. He anticipates a new, strong wave of Swedish corporate investment in Viet Nam in the near future.
With the Vietnamese tradition of cherishing loyalty and never forgetting Sweden’s government and people’s support, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his spouse visited the family of the late Prime Minister Olof Palme. We were truly moved to witness Palme’s three sons warmly welcoming the Prime Minister and his delegation into their modest, cosy apartment in Stockholm.
The Prime Minister and his entourage stood in silent tribute to the late Prime Minister and his spouse; together they viewed photos and memorabilia, including the iconic image of Palme holding a torch during the anti-war march in solidarity with Viet Nam. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh remarked that every Vietnamese knows his name; when they hear “Sweden” they think of Olof Palme, affirming that it was an act by a lover of peace and freedom, a powerful and heartfelt support, which has entered the consciousness and history of Viet Nam and the hearts of its people…
A Swedish proverb says: “Friendship doubles joy and divides sorrow.” Looking ahead, we are firmly confident that the pure, trusting, loyal friendship between the peoples of Viet Nam and Sweden will continue to serve as a firm foundation, helping their relationship become a model of cooperative friendship—dedicated to peace, democracy, social progress and shared prosperity.
