The statement was made by NA Deputy Chairperson Tong Thi Phong at a reception for the delegation from the UK-Vietnam Friendship Association on a September 18-23 working visit to Vietnam led by Member of Parliament Mark Hendrick.

Deputy Chairman Phong highlighted the visit, saying it is of great importance for strengthening the friendship between Vietnam and the UK.

Ms Phong thanked the UK government for providing ODA funds to Vietnam for poverty reduction and drug prevention.

She affirmed that the Vietnam-UK  strategic partnership in many fields has been effectively promoted. Both sides have strengthened cooperation in recent times on national defence and security, environment protection and climate change.

She said that NA Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung will visit the UK in the future and added that, , both sides should promote economic and trade ties, as well as boost cooperation in education by sending Vietnamese English teachers to the UK for training opening schools in Vietnam and encouraging UK teachers to come teach in the country.

Both sides should share experiences to build the capacity of NA deputies,  enhance the State’s legislative and supervisory skills, and improve Government management.

Mr Hendrick expressed fine sentiments for Vietnam and its people and highlighted the country’s efforts in education, particularly its literacy rate of 95 percent, which is much higher than most nations around the world. 

Vietnam has also gained remarkable achievements in economic development and strengthened the UK-Vietnam friendship. Mr Hendrick added that, in the future, both sides should aim to strengthen the friendship and share experiences among their respective legislative bodies.