National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung arrived in London on the morning of Dec. 8 (Vietnamese time), beginning an official visit to the UK.

After a welcoming ceremony at Heathrow Airport, NA Chairman Hung met with UK Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg.

At the meeting, the Vietnamese legislative leader said Vietnam continues to attach importance to the development of cooperative relations with European Union countries, including the UK.

He said his delegation’s visit is an opportunity for the two sides to discuss ways to promote bilateral cooperation in trade, investment and international issues of mutual interest.

Chairman Hung took the occasion to thank the UK Government, Parliament and people for their official development assistance (ODA) provision to help Vietnam implement socio-economic development policies.

He said he hoped the UK Government and Parliament will continue to support Vietnam to boost cooperation with the EU.

Deputy PM Clegg spoke highly of NA Chairman Hung’s first official visit on his capacity as Chairman of the Vietnamese National Assembly.

He expressed his belief that on the basis of the Joint Declaration on Vietnam-UK Strategic Partnership, opportunities for bilateral cooperation will be further promoted, allowing each country to better tap their potential.

The UK Government will continue its provision of ODA to Vietnam in its national development, affirmed Clegg.

The same day, NA Chairman Hung witnessed the signing of a cooperative agreement between Vietnam National University, Hanoi, and the University of Nottingham.

On the evening of Dec. 8, NA Chairman Hung met with Deputy Speaker of the UK House of Commons Lindsay Hoyle.

After the meeting, NA Chairman Hung and the Deputy Speaker met the press.

Lindsay expressed his belief that under the spirit of the Joint Declaration on Vietnam-UK Strategic Partnership, NA Chairman Hung’s visit will make practical contributions to promoting friendship and cooperation between the two countries and parliaments and reveal new prospects for bilateral, inter-regional and international cooperation.

The UK Government and Parliament attach importance to ties with Vietnam and support in-depth cooperation between the two countries in economic trade, investment, culture, education and coping with climate change, for mutual benefits, said the Deputy Speaker.

NA Chairman Hung affirmed that he agreed with the Deputy Speaker that the two countries should continue to expand their cooperation in science and technology, culture, healthcare and fields of mutual interest./.