Planting Trees to Commemorate 50 Years of Vietnam – Finland Relations

The festival is included in a series of political-diplomacy events held in both countries to celebrate the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Finland. It also acknowledged the support of the Government and people of Finland for Vietnam, especially in the fields of green growth and protection and development of water and forest resources.

Attending the event were Keijo Norvato, Ambassador of Finland to Vietnam and Laos, representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Party’s Central Committee’s Commission for External Relations, Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations, Vietnam – Finland Friendship Association, Greenviet organization, leaders of Cuc Phuong National Park; artists from the UNESCO Center for Fine Arts in Hanoi, lecturers and students of Forestry University.

Delegates attending the event. Photo: Tuan Quynh.

At the event, delegates reviewed achievements in Vietnam-Finland relations over the past 50 years, since the establishment of diplomatic relations on January 25, 1973. Vietnam and Finland have maintained strong relations, built by many generations of leaders and people of the two countries. The Vietnamese people appreciate and remember Finland’s valuable, timely, and effective support and assistance for Vietnam in fighting for national independence and unification, as well as the recent “development cooperation” programs in water supply and drainage, hunger and poverty eradication, rural development, and adaptation to climate change.

The cooperative relations between Vietnam and Finland have so far spread across many fields. The two countries regularly exchange high-level delegations and support each other at international forums, notably the United Nations, in the spirit of cooperation, goodwill, and mutual benefit.

In his remark, Keijo Norvato said: “Trees are a symbol of longevity and eternity, of continuity from one generation to another, and from one individual to another in nature and in time. For the people of Finland, trees and forests are a source of prosperity and a characteristic feature of national culture”.

According to Keijo Norvato, tree planting activities also demonstrate efforts and determination in responding to challenges caused by global warming and climate change.

Ha Cong Tuan, former Permanent Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Former Chairman of the Vietnam – Finland Friendship Association, said that the achievements of friendship between Vietnam and Finland have been a solid foundation for the two sides to develop together and bring Vietnam – Finland relations to new heights.

The delegates said they would continue to support connectivity and create conditions to further promote mutual understanding between the two peoples. They will also support the promotion of bilateral cooperation, especially in the fields that both countries have need and strengths such as protecting and developing forest resources, minimizing climate change, planning for safe water use, and education, thereby meeting the interests of both countries, for peace, stability, cooperation, and prosperity in the region and the world.

Delegates planted trees to celebrate the 106th Independence Day of the Republic of Finland. Photo: Tuan Quynh.

After the ceremony, delegates planted 106 trees to celebrate the 106th Independence Day of the Republic of Finland and contribute to the Project of planting 1 billion trees launched by the Prime Minister of Vietnam. There was also a painting display with about 30 paintings by Vietnamese artists drawing about the people of Vietnam and Finland.