Hanoi (VNA) –Vietnam hopes that the UK will continue to help Vietnam improveits medical capacity, develop the pharmaceutical industry and build a resilienthealth system, President Vo Van Thuong told UK Ambassador to Vietnam Iain Frew duringa reception on April 28.

The Vietnamese State leader expressedhis pleasure at the strong development of the Vietnam – UK strategic partnershipin many fields, suggesting that the two sides should take advantage of the UK – Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA) to step up trade andinvestment cooperation, contributing to speeding up post-pandemic economicrecovery.

Vietnam highly values theUK’s role as one of the world's leading countries in researching and developingsolutions to prevent and combat the COVID-19 pandemic, he stressed.

He asked the diplomatto encourage British businesses to pour more investment into Vietnam,especially in green growth, digital transformation, and innovation, education –training, and health care.

Thuong informed the diplomat thathe will attend King Charles III’s coronation in the UK at the invitation of theBritish Royal Family, hoping that his trip will contribute to strengthening thefavourable political foundation for boosting multifaceted cooperation betweenthe two countries.

For his part, Frew highlightedthe flourishing development of the bilateral relations, saying that he believes the twocountries will continue to record more comprehensive achievements in theirrelations in the future, especially in economy, trade, climate change responseand education.

The diplomat suggestedthe two sides further strengthen cooperation in defence andsecurity, stating that his country wishes to make contributions to Vietnam'ssocio-economic development, thus promoting peace and prosperity in theAsia-Pacific region.

The embassy and Vietnamesediplomatic agencies are closely coordinating in organising activities to celebratethe 50th founding anniversary of diplomatic ties between the twocountries, he went on.  

Frew also thanked Vietnamfor supporting the UK in the negotiation process to join the CPTPP, saying thatthis is an important step for the European nation to engage more deeply in thePacific economic region, and foster cooperation with Vietnam in all fields, especiallylifting two-way trade between the two countries.

The UK is ready toprovide financial and equipment support for Vietnam to realise its commitments at the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference ofthe Parties (COP26) in the UK, he affirmed,showing the hope to beef up cooperation with the Southeast Asian nation in renewableenergy development – the UK’s strength.

He also expressed his joy that President Thuong will attend King Charles III’scoronation, saying that the event is especially meaningful in the context that thetwo countries celebrate the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2023./.