Party chief To Lam starts historic Finland visit to deepen partnership
The visit opens a new chapter in Vietnam–Finland relations, strengthening political trust, advancing cooperation in innovation and enhancing Vietnam’s role as a bridge between Finland and ASEAN.
THE HANOI TIMES — General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) To Lam began a historic visit to Finland on October 20, the first by a Vietnamese Party leader since the two nations established diplomatic relations in 1973, aimed at strengthening political trust and enhancing cooperation in innovation, green growth and education.
Accompanied by his spouse, Ngo Phuong Ly, Lam left Hanoi for a three-day visit at the invitation of Finnish President Alexander Stubb.
This is the first visit by Vietnam’s highest-ranking leader to Finland, marking Hanoi’s growing engagement with key European partners amid a shifting global landscape.
According to Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang, the visit carries significant political and diplomatic meaning, opening a new phase in bilateral relations as it demonstrates Vietnam’s consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralization, diversification and proactive international integration.
Hang noted that the visit implements Resolution No. 59-NQ/TW on international integration in the new context, reflecting the affection and respect of the Vietnamese Party, State and people for Finland, a nation that has made active contributions to Vietnam’s development and national defense.
The visit offers an opportunity for both sides to strengthen political trust, deepen traditional friendship and expand cooperation in potential areas such as digital economy, green growth, renewable energy, high-tech agriculture and science and technology.
Vietnam also aims to enhance its role as a bridge between Finland and ASEAN, contributing to regional cooperation amid a changing global landscape.
Meanwhile, Vietnamese Ambassador to Finland Pham Thi Thanh Binh said this is the first visit to Finland by Vietnam’s top leader, marking the country’s consistent policy of valuing relations with Finland, a key partner in the European Union known for innovation, education, green transition and knowledge-based economy.
She said the visit, taking place soon after the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations (1973–2023), provides an opportunity to review past achievements and chart future cooperation.
Vietnam and Finland will continue to promote traditional collaboration in education, science and technology, environment and agriculture, while expanding to new areas including digital transformation, circular economy and clean energy in an agenda reflecting the depth and strategic vision of bilateral ties.
During the visit, General Secretary To Lam is expected to hold talks with Finnish leaders, witness the signing of cooperation documents, visit key economic and educational institutions and meet Vietnamese students and the overseas community in Northern Europe.
General Secretary To Lam is expected to hold talks with Finnish leaders, witness the signing of cooperation documents, visit key economic and educational institutions and meet Vietnamese students and the overseas community in Northern Europe, reaffirming the Party and State’s consistent policy of considering overseas Vietnamese an inseparable part of the nation.
Binh expressed confidence that the visit will open a new phase of substantive, effective and sustainable cooperation, further strengthening existing mechanisms and deepening the Vietnam–Finland partnership for the benefit of both peoples and for peace, stability and sustainable development in the region and the world.
President of the Finland–Vietnam Friendship Association (FVFA) Mauri Raveala and his wife (1st from left).
President of the Finland–Vietnam Friendship Association (FVFA) Mauri Raveala said the visit by Party chief To Lam is a historic moment that highlights the enduring friendship between the two nations. He described it as a strong reaffirmation of mutual trust, shared values and a forward-looking partnership rooted in people-to-people ties.
Ravela noted that the FVFA, founded in 1971, has long been a vital link between the Finnish and Vietnamese people. Over the past decades, the association has promoted understanding of Vietnam’s culture, history and development through humanitarian aid, educational exchange and cultural events.
He emphasized that people-to-people diplomacy remains the foundation of long-term relations. Through activities such as lectures on Vietnam, participation in Finland’s International Travel Fair and the World Village Festival, and new initiatives like tea-tasting sessions and Vietnam Day events, the association helps Finnish audiences gain deeper appreciation of Vietnam’s culture and modern achievements.
The FVFA has also carried out humanitarian projects supporting women and disadvantaged groups in Hanoi and the northern provinces of Hoa Binh and Son La, contributing to local development and gender equality.
Mauri Raveala and his wife have dedicated to strengthening the relations between Finland and Vietnam over the past years.
Ravela acknowledged that the association faces challenges in maintaining public engagement and financial resources but affirmed its strong commitment to strengthening friendship and cooperation.
He suggested expanding student exchanges, academic research and tourism programs to broaden mutual understanding and economic links.
He said the FVFA stands ready to work closely with both governments and social organizations to turn the outcomes of To Lam’s visit into concrete collaboration that benefits communities in both countries.
The high-level delegation accompanying the Party chief includes Politburo members Nguyen Duy Ngoc, Phan Van Giang and Luong Tam Quang; Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung, Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien and Acting Minister of Agriculture and Environment Tran Duc Thang, among others.
