Viet Nam’s and the UK’s top diplomatic officials considered measures to solidify their countries’ strategic partnership during talks in Ha Noi on April 12.

Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and UK Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond expressed their delight at the growth of the strategic partnership.

They agreed on ways to boost that relationship in politics-diplomacy, security-defence, economy-trade-investment, education-training, science and technology, and environment and climate change prevention.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (R) and UK Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond (Photo: VNA)

The two sides also want to augment the number of Vietnamese students in the UK, accelerate the implementation of the Viet Nam – UK University project, and expand affiliation in vocational training to develop a skillful workforce for Viet Nam.

Minh asked the UK Government to facilitate the granting of visas for Vietnamese citizens.

He also appreciated the UK Foreign Secretary’s pledge to consider the design and realisation of some projects funded by the UK Government’s new wealth fund to address climate change consequences, including saltwater intrusion in the Mekong Delta.

For his part, Philip Hammond said his country prioritises reinforcing cooperation in education with Viet Nam, including the establishment of a Viet Nam – UK institute in Da Nang city, as well as in climate change response and anti-wildlife trafficking.

(Source: VNA)