Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has described the relations between Viet Nam and France as a paragon of cooperation between a developing country and a developed one.

In an exclusive interview with French news agency AFP, the PM expressed his wish that France would further boost comprehensive cooperation with Viet Nam, particularly in the areas of economy, trade and investment, with focus being placed on infrastructure construction, telecommunications, aviation, energy, food processing and pharmaceutical chemistry.

In regard to Viet Nam's bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council, the government leader said: "Viet Nam is well aware of the great honour and heavy responsibilities of being a non-permanent member of the council."

He went on to say that if elected, the country will uphold the objectives and principles set forth in the UN Charter and work closely with other members in every effort to prevent and resolve conflicts in the world.

He added that Viet Nam is finalizing preparations relating to possible participation in a UN peace keeping mission, in line with the country's ability and situation.

PM Dung took the occasion to express his belief in the bright future of Viet Nam although the nation faces many difficulties and challenges such as the danger of lagging behind economically due to fierce competition, the imbalance between development and social justice, traditional and non-traditional security risks as well as bureaucracy, corruption, and wastefulness.

The government leader said that Viet Nam is pursuing a fast, effective and sustainable national development policies that link economic development with social justice and environmental protection.

However, he noted, Viet Nam is facing many pressing environmental issues due to its poor economy and the severe consequences of the wars.

The PM went on to say that Viet Nam considers the young qualified human sources and the wide application of information technology as important factors to successfully implement its socio-economic development strategy and its active integration into the region and the world.-(VNA)