Within the meeting, Ambassador Pham Thi Thu Huong congratulated Mr Kalafatis on his new position and expressed the hope of continuing to receive his support in promoting cooperation between the two countries in research, technological development, and innovation — areas which had been mentioned by the prime ministers of the two countries during their recent meeting on the sidelines of the Third United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France.
Ambassador Pham Thi Thu Huong emphasised that Viet Nam gives top priority to the development of science and technology and innovation, viewing it as a crucial solution for advancing the country into a new phase of development. The ambassador shared with the Greek side about the list of 11 strategic technology groups recently approved by the Prime Minister of Viet Nam, as a reference to explore potential areas and fields for bilateral cooperation.
For his part, Mr Stavros Kalafatis noted that research, technological development, and innovation are among the top priorities in the Greek Government’s economic development strategy. The development of science, technology, and innovation is also becoming a key development orientation for the European Union (EU) and many countries around the world.
Ambassador Pham Thi Thu Huong along with the ambassadors of several ASEAN countries to Greece working with Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis. (Photo: Embassy of Viet Nam in Greece)
Greece has recently established the Council for the Application of Technology in Daily Life and the Promotion of Innovation, comprising leading scientists. Its main purpose and top priority is to deliver the achievements of science and technology, especially regarding artificial intelligence, to the general public. The Greek Government is currently promoting closer linkages among researchers, scientists, industries, and businesses, particularly through the development of start-ups, to help bring technological applications and the benefits of technology and artificial intelligence to the wider society.
Deputy Minister Stavros Kalafatis stated that he would forward the information shared by the Vietnamese ambassador to the director of the Greek Council for Applied Technological Research and Innovation, for consideration regarding possible cooperation between the two sides.
Additionally, during the meeting, the Vietnamese ambassador also expressed her hope to continue receiving support from Mr Kalafatis in his capacity as a member of Parliament representing the Thessaloniki delegation, in enhancing parliamentary cooperation between the two countries, as well as between Viet Nam and the city of Thessaloniki. She also sought support for activities to be organised by the embassy in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
