Viet Nam has made efforts to protect wildlife and its intensified law enforcement against traffickers is likely to make the country a role model in the field, said the UK’s Prince William.



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The Duke of Cambridge made the statement during a meeting with Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc in Ha Noi yesterday.

Prince William, who is also president of United for Wildlife, is on his first visit to Viet Nam where he will take part in an international conference on the illegal wildlife trade in the capital today and tomorrow.

At the meeting, Prince William said wildlife conservation is a pressing, trans-border issue, stressing the key role of governments in the fight against animal trafficking.

PM Phuc stated that Viet Nam focuses on the protection of wildlife, with public awareness raised about the benefits of conservation and animal trafficking punished severely.

Việt Nam looks forward to receiving support from the UK to conserve wildlife more effectively in the future, he noted.

On bilateral relations, PM Phuc lauded the development of the Viet Nam – UK strategic partnership in multiple fields over the years and considered economy an important pillar of the ties.

Viet Nam wants to deepen friendship with the UK, he said, asking Prince William to assist further improvement of joint projects in the future.

Phúc proposed expanding co-operation in education by boosting collaboration between UK and Vietnamese facilities for tertiary education, scientific research and vocational training.

He hoped the UK would facilitate English education and the building of a competent workforce in Viet Nam and support Vietnamese students in the UK.

Prince William affirmed that the UK attaches important to ties with Viet Nam.

He said he will support the promotion of bilateral co-operation, particularly in education and trade.

Vice President meets UK Prince

Vice President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh hosted a reception in Hanoi on November 16 for Duke of Cambridge, Prince William Arthur Philip Louis, who is on a visit to Vietnam to attend the third International Wildlife Trade Conference. 


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Thinh hailed the UK as Vietnam’s partner of special importance, adding that Vietnam welcomes UK firms to the country to do business, especially in fields of their strength. 

The Party and State of Vietnam will provide all possible support via competitive policies in line with international practices and commitments in free trade agreements, he said. 

William, for his part, said he will attend the conference to seek ways to protect elephants, rhinos and other endangered animals from the verge of extinction. 

He believed that Vietnam will be one of pioneers in wildlife conservation. 

The same day, the Prince visited the Hanoi Old Quarter, Ngoc Son Temple and Hong Ha primary school in the capital city.

VNA/VNS