Prime Minister greets British, Polish ambassadors

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung gave separate receptions in Ha Noi yesterday for British and Polish ambassadors Antony Stokes and Barbara Szymanowska.

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

The PM said the two sides should co-ordinate and provide mutual support at international and regional forums, while accelerating co-operation in economics, trade, investment, education and training, security and defence.


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

Ambassador Stokes said that the two countries should promote connections in economics, trade, investment, public-private partnerships, education and training, science and technology, culture, security and defence.

He said the UK paid special attention to developments in the East Sea, and held a 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 Viet Nam and Poland should increase exchanges of delegations at all levels, mutually support each other at international and regional forums, and promote economics, trade, investment, culture and education co-operation.

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

Ambassador Szymanowska said she would do her utmost to co-ordinate closely with relevant agencies to implement the two countries' agreements and develop new co-operation programmes.