
Hong Kong (VNA) - Chief Executive of the Hong KongSpecial Administrative Region John Lee on April 3 hosted a reception for Vietnamese Consul General Pham Binh Dam, who came to bid farewell at the end of his tenure.
Highlighting the fruitful Vietnam- Hong Kong cooperation in recent times, Lee said Vietnam and Hong Kong arecurrently important trade and investment partners of each other.
He also appreciated the Consul General’s active contributions to the development of the relations over the past time, sayingthat with his efforts and commitment, many issuesthat existed for decades between the two sides have been resolved, includingthe removal of visa restrictions for Vietnamese workers and facilitation of business and tourist visas for Vietnamese citizens. Lee said he believes thatit will create momentum for further development of the relationship between Vietnamand Hong Kong in the time to come.
Expressing his pleasure at the positive changesin Vietnam - Hong Kong relations recently, Dam spoke highly of Lee’s efforts to create a breakthrough in Hong Kong's ties with Vietnam.
The diplomat suggested the two sides signcooperation documents in fields such as finance, human resources, education andtourism to create a framework for government agencies and businesses of bothsides to carry out specific collaboration plans. He recommended they enhancethe exchange of delegations at all levels to increase understanding and informationsharing as well as exchange measures to promote cooperation and resolve existing and arising issues.
Acknowledging Dam’s suggestions, Lee said hebelieves that the two sides will witness many strongdevelopments in their relations in the coming time, adding that Vietnam and Hong Kong can become a role model ininternational relations, both coordinating with each other to resolve existing differencesand developing together in areas of mutual interest./.