Vietnam Party chief welcomes UK Prime Minister

Hanoi, July 30 (VNA) - Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong hosted a reception for UK Prime Minister David Cameron in Hanoi on July 29, stressing that his visit was a significant milestone since the two countries established diplomatic ties 42 years ago. The host hailed the positive developments in Vietnam-UK ties since they established their strategic partnership in September 2010. He expressed hope that the UK leader’s visit will improve mutual understanding and strengthen relations between the Communist Party of Vietnam and UK political parties, and promote bilateral cooperation in the fields of trade, investment, education and training. The Party leader said he hoped that the UK would continue raising its positive voice for the peaceful settlement of disputes in the Asia-Pacific region and the world at large. PM Cameron, for his part, declared that the UK Government treasures ties with Vietnam and considers Vietnam one of its important partners. The UK will step up efforts to deliver on commitments in priority fields mentioned in the joint statement on the establishment of Vietnam-UK strategic partnership, he said. Both host and guest identified economic-trade and investment links as a focus of the bilateral relationship and stressed the need to intensify ties between political parties and legislatures. The UK leader stated confidently that ties between the two countries will further develop in the coming time for mutual interests and for peace, stability and cooperation in the region and the world./.