Vietnam is keen to join the UK in efforts to develop their strategic partnership in every aspect, especially politics-diplomacy, economics, trade, investment, tourism, and education-training.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung stated this while receiving former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair in Hanoi on October 15.

Dung said the visit would strengthen the strategic partnership between Vietnam and the UK, saying that cooperation between both countries is developing positively but has still to match the potential.

He said he hopes that the UK will continue to provide ODA to Vietnam, focusing on developing infrastructure and adapting to climate change.

The PM also values Blair’s offer to share experiences with Vietnam during its reforms and international economic integration.

The former UK PM informed his host of his meeting with students from Vietnam’s Diplomatic Academy , and his discussions with Vietnam’s Foreign Minister, Pham Binh Minh about both countries’ strategic partnership and Vietnam’s economic development.

He said that he is willing to share his experiences with Vietnam to help reform the economy and State-owned enterprises; attract more foreign investment; adapt to climate change; introduce public-private partnerships; develop education and training and ensure environmental protection.

Blair also confirmed that he will do his utmost to foster the strategic partnership that both nations share.

He said he believes that Vietnam will play an increasingly important role in the world and praised ASEAN for its six-point stand on the East Sea issue.-VNA