Hanoi (VNA) - President Tran Dai Quang has called on Vietnam and the UK tofully tap their potential for cooperation in order to boost the bilateralstrategic partnership in a more comprehensive, pragmatic and effective fashion.

Ata reception for outgoing UK Ambassador Giles Lever in Hanoi on June 7, thePresident affirmed that Vietnam attaches importance to promoting the strategicpartnership with the UK, one of the country’s priority European partners.

Hesaid since the two countries established diplomatic ties 45 years ago,especially after the formation of the strategic partnership in 2010, their relationshiphas developed in all fields.

Inthe context that Vietnam and the UK are celebrating the 45th anniversary ofdiplomatic ties in 2018, the two countries should increase cultural and sportexchange programmes to reinforce their friendship and mutual understanding, hesaid.

ThePresident suggested both sides maintain and enhance the exchange ofhigh-ranking delegations to create political trust, step up economic, trade andinvestment links, expand collaboration in national defence-security, crimecombat and peacekeeping operations, and maintain their affiliation in culture,health care, sports and education-training.

Theleader also urged the two countries to carry forward mutual consultation andsupport mechanisms at multi-lateral forums and within the framework of theUnited Nations.

Hethanked the UK for backing the stance of Vietnam and the Association ofSoutheast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on handling issues regarding the East Sea in orderto ensure peace, security, and aviation and navigation safety and freedom inthe waters.

Forhis part, Giles Lever highlighted remarkable progresses in deepening thestrategic partnership, emphasising that cooperation in economy and tradebetween the UK and Vietnam has developed at the fastest pace as compared withother partners of the UK in the Asia-Pacific region.

Healso spoke of the expansion of bilateral cooperation in new realms like scientificresearch, public health and national defence-security, particularlypeacekeeping operations.

Hereaffirmed the UK government’s commitment to maintaining collaboration withpartners in Asia-Pacific as the country withdraws from the European Union (EU).The UK will continue renewing economic cooperation with Vietnam in many areassuch as business climate improvement and green city building, he said.

The diplomat informed his host that on the occasions of the 45th anniversary ofthe bilateral diplomatic ties and 25 years of operation of the British Councilin Vietnam, the UK will organise a range of meaningful activities in Hanoi andHo Chi Minh City to celebrate such events.

Leveraffirmed the UK’s strong support for the early signing and ratification of theEU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement and the Vietnam-UK Bilateral Free TradeAgreement.

TheUK will increase investments in Vietnam in the areas that match the twocountries’ potential, while collaborating with Vietnam to ensure the respect ofinternational law and ensure peace, security and navigation and aviation safetyand freedom in the East Sea, he said.

TheUK also wants to join hands with Vietnam in coping with global challenges, particularlyin the environmental sector, the ambassador said.-VNA