Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung gave separate receptions in Hanoi on July 9 for British and Polish ambassadors Antony Stokes and Barbara Szymanowska.

Speaking to outgoing British Ambassador Stokes, PM Dung expressed his pleasure at fruitful outcomes of the two countries’ strategic partnership. He attributed the achievements to the effective contributions made by the ambassador during his term of office in Vietnam.

The PM affirmed that Vietnam places importance to and spares no effort together with the UK to develop bilateral cooperation in an intensive, substantial and effective manner.

He said the two sides should coordinate stance and provide mutual support at international and regional fora, while further accelerating cooperation in economics, trade, investment, education-training, security and defence.

Dung asked the UK to continue providing official development assistance (ODA) in climate change response to Vietnam and support Vietnam in negotiation for early conclusion of a free trade agreement with the European Union. He also wished that the UK will assist Vietnam in participating in the United Nations peacekeeping operations.

PM Dung thanked the UK for joining G7 countries and the EU in protesting against China’s actions in the East Sea. He said he hopes the UK will continue to condemn China’s illegal acts.

Ambassador Stokes proposed that the two countries promote connections in economics, trade, investment, public-private partnership, education-training, science-technology, culture, security and defence. The UK always supports the cooperation between Vietnam and EU countries, the diplomat said.

He said the UK pays special attention to developments in the East Sea, and is of the consistent view that concerned parties should respect international law and ensure security, safety and freedom of navigation in the East Sea.

Welcoming new Polish Ambassador Szymanowska, PM Dung said Vietnam and Poland should increase exchange of delegations at all levels, mutually support at international and regional fora, promote economic, trade, investment, culture and education cooperation.

He asked Poland to provide soft loans for Vietnam to carry out its development goals.

Ambassador Szymanowska affirmed she will do her utmost to closely coordinate with relevant agencies to implement the two countries’ agreements and put forth new cooperation programmes.-VNA