HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc met with the UK’s Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, in Hà Nội on December 4, asking his guest to promote the establishment of a Việt Nam-UK university in the Southeast Asian nation.

Prince Andrew’s visit to Việt Nam marked the 45th anniversary of the countries’ diplomatic ties. PM Phúc appreciated the Prince’s sentiments towards Việt Nam and his contributions to bilateral relations.

Việt Nam 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 education is a top priority in Việt Nam’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 Việt Nam has worked with several countries to open universities, and it hopes the Prince will promote the foundation of a joint university in Việt Nam.

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

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 Việt Nam, adding that Việt Nam always creates the best possible conditions for foreign investors, including those from the UK.

For his part, Prince Andrew voiced his support for a Việt Nam-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.

Việt Nam 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. — VNS