Ex-British PM Blair offers helping hand

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung (right) receives former British prime minister Tony Blair yesterday. — VNA/VNS Photo Duc Tam

HA NOI (VNS)— Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair yesterday offered to share his wide experiences with Viet Nam as he was received by Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung.

Blair said his assistance could be in ways of reforming the economy and State-owned enterprises, attracting more foreign investment, adapting to climate change, introducing business people for public-private partnerships, developing education and training and protecting the environment.

Blair said he would do his utmost to foster the strategic partnership both nations shared, adding that he believed Viet Nam would play an increasingly important role in the world.

He also praised ASEAN for its six-point stand on the East Sea issue.

Dung said that Viet Nam was keen to develop a strategic partnership with Britain in politics, economics, trade, investment, tourism, and education.

He said Blair's visit would strengthen the existing partnership, which was developing in a positive manner.

He said he hoped Britain would continue to provide development assistance, focusing on developing infrastructure and adaptation to climate change.

Viet Nam wished to boost co-operation with the UK in economics, trade, investment, education and training, and dealing with climate change, for the benefit of the two peoples, and for peace, stability and development in the region and the world at large.

Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh made the statement at a reception in Ha Noi yesterday for former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Blair said he would continue supporting the UK in strengthening relations with Viet Nam and carrying out bilateral agreements in priority fields, especially promoting the exchange of high-ranking delegations on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the countries' diplomatic ties.

He also vowed to assist Viet Nam during its development and economic reforms.

The two sides discussed regional and international issues of mutual concern, including the situation in the Middle East, North Africa, Asia- Pacific, ASEAN, the East Sea and global economic prospects.

The same day, Blair met with students at the Diplomatic Academy of Viet Nam and representatives of domestic press agencies, where he urged Vietnamese businesses to enhance their competitive edge, especially prices and quality of commodities, now that Viet Nam had joined the World Trade Organisation.

He suggested that Viet Nam work on suitable policies to improve infrastructure, creating a healthy competitive environment for small and medium-sized enterprises. — VNS