Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung received the UK ’s Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, in Hanoi on October 11 on the occasion of his visit to Vietnam to attend the 1,000 th anniversary of Thang Long-Hanoi.

PM Dung applauded the Prince’s visit, saying that it represents the fine sentiment of the UK Royal Family, Government and people towards Vietnam as well as helping to elevate bilateral ties to a new level of development, especially in the context where the two countries have just established their strategic partnership.

He suggested the two sides continue seeking measures to foster relations in all aspects, including politics, diplomacy, economics, and socio-culture, for the benefits of each nation as well as for peace and development.

Vietnam is ready to support UK businesses in their trade and investment activities in Vietnam , especially in the construction of expressways, air and seaports, Dung said.

The PM expressed his wish that the UK Government would increase ODA assistance to Vietnam , focusing on educational development cooperation.

He suggested the Prince raise his voice to call for the UK Government’s support for the opening of a direct air route between Vietnam and the UK , helping expand the cooperation and exchange between the two countries.

Prince Andrew, who always extends his best sentiments towards the country and people of Vietnam , said that he will try his best to realise the commitments and agreement reached by the two sides.

He also proposed that the two countries should build an action plan to boost cooperation, helping develop the bilateral ties more practically and effectively.

On the same day, the UK Prince was received by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem, who affirmed that Vietnam would continuously foster the strategic partnership with the UK, especially in the two areas of priority which are trade-investment and education-training, as well as create the most favourable conditions for UK businesses to pursue their effective and long-term operations in Vietnam./.