A ceremony to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Vietnam – UK diplomatic ties was held in Hanoi on October 11, reviewing the relations that have come a long way over the past time and become strategic partnership in 2010.

Chairman of the Vietnam - UK Friendship Association (VUKFA) Hoang Van Dung said since its establishment in 1999, the association has called on London volunteer teachers to teach at English language centres and mountainous provinces in Vietnam.

The VUKFA and the UK – Vietnam Friendship Association vowed to do their best to facilitate the development of cooperation among localities, especially in the fight for justice for Vietnamese Agent Orange/dioxin victims, he noted, adding that both sides consider them as one of their key missions.

UK Ambassador to Vietnam Antony Stokes said the 2013 year is as a year of significance in bilateral diplomatic ties and marks the 100 years since President Ho Chi Minh arrived in London.

As of the end of last year, the UK had 163 projects worth 2.69 billion USD in Vietnam, becoming the fourth largest European Union investor in the country.

In terms of education-training cooperation, every year nearly 2,000 Vietnamese choose the UK as a destination for university and tertiary education.

Delegates shared view that thanks to the two Governments and peoples’ efforts, the Vietnam – UK relations will blossom.-VNA