Mr Binh made the statement in Berlin on June 17 when he met with Bundestag (German Parliament) members of the Asia Dialogue Group of the Social Democratic Party of Germany.

The meeting occurred at the invitation of Edelgard Bulmahn, who was formerly a German Minister of Education and Research.

Mr Binh noted that this year marks the 35^th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Germany and Vietnam, and both countries have agreed to name 2010 as Vietnam-Germany Cultural Year.

For Vietnam Year in Germany, the Vietnamese embassy has been trying to organize about 30 events to promote Vietnam’s image and strengthen relations with organizations and individuals in Germany. The key events will be the Vietnam Festival scheduled for August 28-29 and a formal ceremony to mark the 35^th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic ties in September.

In answer to German parliamentarians’ questions about cooperation in education, training, and fighting climate change, Mr Binh said Germany has helped Vietnam to build a Germany university in Ho Chi Minh City but Vietnam now would like to receive Germany’s assistance in building a vocational centre in the North. He said Vietnam admires and wants to follow Germany’s vocational model.

Regarding cooperation to handle climate change, the Ambassador expressed his interest in joining efforts with Germany in renewable energy, waste treatment and sewage projects.

In addition, the diplomat said the two countries can strengthen their two-way trade as Vietnam mainly exports agricultural products while Germany’s export staples are industrial products. He added that Vietnam hopes Germany will boost its direct investment in Vietnam.

Mr Binh affirmed that as President of ASEAN, Vietnam will give priority to strengthening solidarity and links inside ASEAN, and deepening cooperative ties between ASEAN and its partners.