(VNF) - Sorlandet, the oldest fully-rigged ship in operation of Norway, docked Khanh Hoi port in Ho Chi Minh City on August 30^th as part of activities marking 45 years since Vietnam and Norway set up diplomatic ties.

The Tall Ship “Sorlandet” has anchored aside Sai Gon River in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. (Source: sorlandet.org)

The Norwegian Embassy in Vietnam, the Norwegian Consulate in HCM City and the country’s trade office held a meeting on the ship the same day with representatives of Vietnam’s media and Norwegian companies operating in the southern city.

Addressing the meeting, Mr. Doan Tuan Linh, Vice Director of the Ho Chi Minh Department of Foreign Affairs emphasized that after 45 years of co-operation, bilateral relations between the two countries are growing and in-depth, through the exchange of high-level visits. Norway has actively supported Vietnam in poverty reduction, international integration.

Many Norwegian enterprises have expanded their operations in Vietnam, especially in fields of maritime, renewable energy, environment protection, science and technology. Through the EFTA (European Free Trade Association) Norway and Vietnam can boost further trade and investment between two countries.

Ms. Kari Wollebaek, Deputy Head of Mission spoke at the event (Source: vietnamfdi.vn)

Deputy Head of Mission of the Norwegian Embassy, Ms. Kari Wollebaek said that about 60 Norwegian businesses are working in the south of Vietnam in such industries as aquaculture, shipbuilding, oil and gas, and information technology-communication. Their operations have contributed to the commercial development as well as growing bilateral ties between the two countries.

Sorlandet is the world’s oldest working full-rigged ship. A unique part of Norway’s maritime history, she was built in 1927 as a school ship to train seafarers. Sorlandet is making her first cruise around the world with high school students on board.

HCM City is a destination in its first voyage around the world in 2016. The ship is carrying Norway’s high school students who will engage in exchanges with their peers in countries Sorlandet stops during the trip.

Since diplomatic ties were established in November 1971, despite great geographical distance, Vietnam and Norway have seen their relations actively develop across politics and international issues, trade and investments, culture and society./.

( According to vietnamfdi.vn )