Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung noted with satisfaction positive developments in relations between Vietnam and the UK and Vietnam and Poland, while receiving British and Polish ambassadors in Hanoi on July 9.

Receiving outgoing ambassador Antony Stokes, PM Nguyen Tan Dung (R) proposed the UK maintain ODA provision for Vietnam.

At a reception for outgoing British ambassador Antony Stokes, Dung spoke highly of the diplomat’s substantial contributions to the broad development of the Vietnam-UK strategic partnership during his term in Hanoi.

Vietnam will do its utmost to, together with the UK, develop their cooperative ties in a deep, practical and effective manner, said the PM.  

He proposed that both sides foster bilateral cooperation in economics, trade, investment, education-training, security, and national defence.

He expressed hope the UK will continue providing official development assistance (ODA) for Vietnam’s climate change projects, support Vietnam in free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations with the European Union, and assist the country in joining UN peacekeeping operations.

The PM thanked the UK, alongside other countries in the group of 7 (G7) and the EU, for opposing China’s illegal positioning of drilling rig Haiyang Shiyou-981 deep inside Vietnam’s territorial waters, and hoped the UK will have a stronger voice against China’s provocative acts.

For his part, Stokes said in whatever position he holds he will try his best to promote cooperation between the two countries.

The UK supports cooperation between Vietnam and the EU, he said, adding the UK is deeply concerned about recent tensions in the East Sea, and calls on parties concerned to respect international law and ensure security, safety and freedom of navigation in the sea area.

PM Nguyen Tan Dung (R) received new Polish ambassador to Vietnam Barbara Szymanowska.

At another reception for newly-accredited Polish ambassador Barbara Szymanowska, PM Dung said Vietnam and Poland have maintained traditional ties and that Poland has provided valuable assistance to Vietnam in its past struggle for national liberation and the current process of national development.

He said both countries need to increase visit exchanges, support each other at regional and international forums, and boost cooperation in economics, trade, investment, culture, and education-training.

He proposed Poland lend Vietnam preferential loans to carry out development projects.

The Polish diplomat said he will work closely with relevant Vietnamese agencies to realise existing cooperation agreements and put forth new ones.  

VOV/VNN