Deputy Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son praised the Vietnam-UK Network’sefforts in boosting mutual understanding between the two peoples at aworking session with the organisation’s Chairman Ben Chapman in Londonon October 21.

Chairman Ben Chapman said whileVietnam and UK set up diplomatic ties 40 years ago, the image of Vietnamin the mind of many British people was only associated with war andrice fields.

This has prompted his network to do moreto help his people have better understanding about Vietnam andcontribute to deepening the two countries’ strategic partnership, hesaid.

Established early this year on the occasion ofVietnamese Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s visit to the UK,the network has acted as a bridge to connect the two countries in trade,investment, education, culture and people-to-people exchange, throughits links with the UK Foreign Ministry, the Investment-Trade Agency andthe British Council.

Deputy FM Son said as adeveloping country, Vietnam wants to learn from UK’s experiencein infrastructure improvement, human resource development, cultural andpeople-to-people exchange.

At the same time, Vietnamneeds help in dealing with war consequences, mine clearance, Englishlanguage training and tourism promotion, he added.

Onthis occasion, Deputy FM Son presented the Friendship Order to formerUK Ambassador to Vietnam Warwick Morris (2000-2003 term) inrecognition of his contributions to the friendship between the twocountries.

He also delivered the Vietnamese ForeignMinister’s certificate of merit to Peter Lacy, Chairman of the MedicalScientific Aid for Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia organisation.

Deputy FM Son is on a visit to the UK and chair the third Vietnam-UK strategic partnership dialogue.-VNA