(Hanoi 26 January 2009) Foreign Secretary David Miliband and Manchester United Manager, Sir Alex Ferguson have sent their best Tet greetings to the Vietnamese people over the internet.

David Miliband wishes everybody happiness in the year of the Buffalo whilst Sir Alex Ferguson shows his appreciation for MU fans in Vietnam.

David Miliband said: 'I am delighted that millions of British people are now seeing Vietnam's development through television but also through the increasing numbers that going as tourists to Vietnam. I know that 2009 is going to be an important year for Vietnam. And I hope that through the medium of sport, we will be able to get closer and closer together'.

Sir Alex Ferguson said:' I just can't wait to bring my team to Vietnam because I was told by many many people we have more than 20 milion fans there....while we've not been to Vietnam (yet) we will be there soon. I just want to say that the link between Britain and Vietnam will be fantastically strong and I can't wait to come and meet you in the years ahead'.

The video was recorded at Cedar Mount High School in Manchester where both Foreign Secretary David Miliband, the youngest person to hold the position in 30 years, and Sir Alex, one of the  most successful  football managers in the history of world football, visited and talked about the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)

The messages can be seen on Ambassador Mark Kent's blog. People are welcome to send feedback and comments to David Miliband and Sir Alex via Ambassador blog.  Mark Kent said 'Even though I am an Arsenal fan, I am delighted by the kind gesture of Sir Alex - a football giant - to the people of  Vietnam. I am equally pleased that David Miliband has sent his best wishes - an indication of the importance that the UK government attaches to its relations with Vietnam.'

This is a part of British Embassy's recent efforts in promoting people to people links between the UK and Vietnam. The Embassy, together with VietnamNet and Yoosk is running a project at yoosk website which creates opportunities for the Vietnamese people throughout the nation to send questions to British public figures. So far, seven famous figures including millionaire Theo Paphitis, football player Curtis Davies and Director of  the England  Football Association Trevor Brooking have given their answers.

Foreign Secretary David Miliband has agreed to take part in the project. He will be available for questions from Vietnamese people from the week beginning 2 February.

Notes for Editors

See also: Ambassador's Vietnamese language blog

or contact:
Ms. Bui Cam Ha
Communications Manager
Britsh Embassy
Mobile phone: 0904 83 5758

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