Vietnam attaches importance to the Vietnam Executive Leadership Programme (VELP) – a joint effort among the Vietnamese Foreign Ministry, the Vietnam Programme at the Harvard Kennedy School and the United Nations Development Programme, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has said.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) and Professor Thomas Vallely.

During a reception for Professor Thomas Vallely from Harvard University, the PM said VELP provides a venue for Vietnamese leaders to discuss policies and be updated on the latest knowledge about management, contributing to devising proper public policies.

He expressed his delight at the robust development of Vietnam-US ties across the board following Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s visit last year and the establishment of the Vietnam – US strategic partnership in July 2013, saying that education and training ties are among the top priorities of the Vietnamese government.

The leader also hailed his guest as a close friend of Vietnam who plays a constructive part in Vietnam – US ties in general and bilateral educational ties in particular.

Vallely stated that Harvard University wishes to further assist Vietnam in its economic development via joint studies and seeking more financial assistance for the Vietnam Executive Leadership Programme.

Accordingly, the VELP programme will continue at Harvard University.

VNA