Vietnam has always attached importance to cooperation with the German state of Hessen and regards this as an example for relations between the country and foreign localities, affirmed Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc.

At a reception for Hessen state’s Minister for Science and the Arts Boris Rhein in Hanoi on May 31, the Government leader noted with joy the fruitful developments of the Vietnam-Germany strategic partnership.

Germany is now Vietnam’s European leading partner, especially in politics, economy, education and training, he said, applauding Hessen leaders for their attention to the relationship between the locality and the Southeast Asian nation.

Stressing similarities in history shared by Vietnam and Germany, Boris Rhein said Vietnamese living and studying in Germany are helping promote the two countries’ bilateral ties.

Both countries have paid heed to educating and training young people, and prioritising scientific and technological training, he said.

This explains why the Vietnam-Germany University was established in Vietnam, the minister added, calling on the Prime Minister and the Vietnamese Government to facilitate the school’s operation.

In reply, the PM hailed the achievements the newly-established university has attained in recent times, saying the number of qualified new graduates from the school has reflected the quality of the German education.

He suggested the two sides continue to strengthen its staff and outline a programme to train high-quality Vietnamese teachers.

The same day, PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc greeted Cuban Minister of Science, Technology and Environment Elba Rosa Perez Montoya who is on a working visit to Vietnam.

The host spoke highly of the Vietnam-Cuba partnership in science-technology through a string of projects on the research and transfer of biological technologies, agriculture and climate change.

He affirmed Vietnamese leaders’ and people’s resolve and wish to enhance the comprehensive ties with the Caribbean country.

In that spirit, the PM called on the two countries’ high-ranking leaders, ministries and localities to maintain regular exchanges of visits and facilitate cooperation between their businesses.

The two sides should improve the efficiency of bilateral cooperation mechanisms, especially the Inter-Governmental Committee, and speed up bilateral negotiations to reach cooperation agreements, particularly those in trade, investment and science-technology, he said.

The leader suggested the two ministries of science and technology continue to share their experience in managing and building legal documents, mechanisms, policies and programmes on science-technology and personnel training.

For her part, the Cuban minister said her visit aims to consolidate the affiliation in science-technology and natural resources between the two countries.

She noted that the recent Congress of the Communist Party of Cuba approved a strategy on a scientific, technological and environmental development model by 2020, which is expected to facilitate the two countries’ cooperation in these fields in the time ahead.

Cuba is ready to share its experience with Vietnam in areas of its strengths like health care and pharmaceutical products, she affirmed.