Prime Minister receives British Prince Andrew in Hanoi

ABO/NDO – Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc met with UK Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, in Hanoi on December 4, asking his guest to promote the establishment of a Vietnam-UK university in the Southeast Asian nation.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) receives British Prince Andrew in Hanoi.

Welcoming Prince Andrew’s visit to Vietnam on the occasion of 45 years of the countries’ diplomatic ties, PM Phuc appreciated the Prince’s sentiments towards Vietnam and his contributions to bilateral relations.

Vietnam has always treasured ties with the UK, which holds an important role in Europe and the world, he affirmed, adding that the countries’ strategic partnership has grown with strength in all fields, from politics, diplomacy, trade, and investment, to security, defence, education-training, and tourism.

 

The UK attracts a large number of Vietnamese students, the PM said, noting that educational cooperation is a top priority in Vietnam’s cooperation with the European country. He also expressed that he highly values the British royal family and Government’s support for relations in this aspect.

 

He said Vietnam has worked with several countries to open universities, and it hopes the Prince will promote the foundation of a joint university in Vietnam.

 

At the meeting, PM Phuc also urged both sides to step up high-level delegation exchanges in the time ahead, while effectively maintaining cooperation mechanisms like the strategic dialogue and the joint committee for economic and trade affairs so as to intensify cooperation.

 

He expressed his delight at the trade-investment partnerships over the past few years and asked the countries to capitalise on their potential and advantages to support each other.

 

The leader called on Prince Andrew, with his role in and influence on the business circle, to encourage more British investment in Vietnam, adding that Vietnam always creates the best possible conditions for foreign investors, including those from the UK.

 

For his part, Prince Andrew voiced his support for a Vietnam-UK university. He also asked the two sides to promote cooperation in scientific research and connect their universities.

 

He noted that his country has been relatively successful in start-up activities and is developing a diverse economy that needs a high-quality young workforce.

 

Vietnam is home to many small- and medium-sized enterprises and it should encourage them to create innovative ideas and connect them with major firms, including foreign ones like those of the UK, to help them spread their reach to the world. It also needs to create platforms for innovation and start-up ecosystems to attract the young, he added.