The Queen made the statement during a reception in Hanoi on November 2 given by Vietnamese Party General Secretary Nong Duc Manh.

She said she was happy to visit Vietnam and impressed with the important achievements made by the Vietnamese people during the Renewal process.

Mr Manh briefed the Queen on Vietnam’s recent socio-economic developments and its efforts to realize the goal of building an industrial nation by 2020.

He expressed his pleasure at the fruitful cooperation between Vietnam and Denmark in recent times, particularly in investment, trade, development aid, culture and tourism, as well as in addressing climate change. He said Vietnam hopes to receive continued support from international friends, including Denmark, for its national development.

The Party leader said he believes that the Queen’s visit will help promote “the partnership for development” between Vietnam and Denmark to new heights, and cooperation between Vietnam and the European Union, especially when Vietnam assumes the ASEAN chairmanship in 2010.