Viet Nam, Denmark agree to a comprehensive partnership   President Truong Tan Sang greets Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt. - VNA/VNS Photo Nguyen Khang HA NOI (VNS)- President Truong Tan Sang and Denmark Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt yesterday agreed to elevate bilateral ties to a comprehensive partnership. The agreement was reached during talks between the two sides as part of Sang's visit to the northern European country. The comprehensive partnership aims to provide a foundation for expanding bilateral co-operation in prioritised areas of foreign affairs, trade and investment, environmental sustainability, research and education, and cultural exchange. Both sides said they were pleased at the positive development of bilateral trade and investment during the past few years, while President Sang confirmed that Viet Nam created favourable conditions for Danish enterprises to invest in his country. Sang also urged the Danish leader to continue supporting Viet Nam's efforts in climate change, administrative reform, environmental hygiene and vocational training through official development programmes. He praised the host government's efforts in helping Vietnamese nationals live and work in the country and providing valuable assistance. Meanwhile, Thorning-Schmidt underscored her Government's determination to implement its Market Growth Strategy which named Viet Nam as one of 10 potential economies for the country to increase trade to US$1 billion. The two sides also discussed important international and regional issues with Thorning-Schmidt emphasising the importance of the Asia-Pacific region and the ASEAN community in Denmark's foreign policy. She affirmed her Government's position that disputes in the East Sea be resolved using peaceful measures and in accordance with international law. Sang also urged Denmark to back Viet Nam's bid to strengthen its relationship with the EU and speed up the EU's approval of the Partnership and Co-operation Agreement with Viet Nam. He also request the Danish President's support in Viet Nam's negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement with the EU. New role Sang also pointed out that Viet Nam would be eager to foster ties between the ASEAN community and the EU and separately between ASEAN and Denmark as ASEAN-EU Co-ordinator. Following the talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of the Joint Statement of the Viet Nam-Denmark Comprehensive Partnership and a Memorandum of Understanding for co-operation in developing wind power, water management, education and sustainable seafood farming. Sang also met with Danish Parliament Speaker Morgens Lykketoft on the same day, where Sang applauded close co-operation between the two parliaments through high-ranking delegations and specialized committees. Sang also lobbied for the Danish parliament to continue the provision of official development assistance (ODA) to Viet Nam in areas such as renewable energy, environmental protection and food safety, while the Danish Speaker praised Viet Nam's efficient use of ODA. The two leaders agreed that elevating the relationship would be a driving force for strengthening bilateral co-operation more efficiently. - VNS