Government leader expresses joy at growing Vietnam-UK ties
VOV.VN -Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has showed his delight at the wide-ranging and fruitful cooperation between Vietnam and the UK in multiple fields over recent years, with last year’s two-way trade rising to US$6.1 billion.
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The UK is currently the 15th biggest among 116 countries and territories investing in Vietnam with a total investment of US$3.46 billion and 317 valid projects.
Lever told his host that he agreed upon the strongly growing bilateral relations and acknowledged Vietnam’s progress in improving the investment environment. He also affirmed the UK Government’s willingness to provide technical support to Vietnam in the field.
He showed his elation at cooperation outcomes between the two countries in defence, security, and response to global challenges such as climate change and wildlife trafficking.
Education is also a priority in bilateral cooperation and the UK will increase scholarship for Vietnamese students, he said.
He stated that his nation strongly supports the maintenance of security and maritime and aviation freedom in the East Sea and the adherence to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 (UNCLOS).
PM Phuc thanked the UK Ambassador for his fine sentiments towards Vietnam, suggesting the two sides should continue bring into full play the reached achievements to bring bilateral economic ties to a new level in line with the two countries’ strategic partnership framework and cooperation potential.
The two sides should coordinate closely in organizing the forthcoming meeting of the Vietnam-UK Joint Economic-Trade Committee, he said.
The cabinet leader said Vietnam wishes to continue receiving assistance from the UK through the Prosperity Fund, especially in the fields of climate change adaptation, the environment, green energy and scientific research.
He appreciated effective education cooperation between the two nations with more than 12,000 Vietnamese students studying in the UK and hoped that the cooperation will continue to grow in the future.
PM Phuc proposed launching more exchange programmes to deepen mutual understanding, especially in 2018 when Vietnam and the UK mark their 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties.
Lever said that the UK Embassy in Vietnam is to hold a broad array of cultural and educational activities to mark the event.