Vietnam keen to deepen strategic partnership with UK

Thứ Tư, 30/03/2022, 21:46

Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son has expressed Vietnam’s desire to further reinforce the strategic partnership with the UK towards the 50th anniversary of both nations' diplomatic ties in 2023.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son (R) welcomes British Minister of State for Asia and the Middle East Amanda Milling (Photo: VNA)

Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son (R) welcomes British Minister of State for Asia and the Middle East Amanda Milling (Photo: VNA)

Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son hosted a reception for Amanda Milling, Minister of State for Asia and the Middle East at the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, in Hanoi on March 29.

Amanda Milling is on a working visit to Vietnam for the 8th Vietnam - UK strategic dialogue at the deputy foreign minister level.

During the reception, FM Son showed his elation at the great strides in both nations’ strategic partnership as demonstrated by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s successful trip to the UK and attendance in the COP26 there from October 31 to November 3, 2021.

The Vietnamese diplomat suggested intensifying high-level mutual visits, promoting key cooperation mechanisms, including the strategic dialogue at the deputy foreign minister level, the joint economic and trade cooperation committee, and the defence policy dialogue, stepping up trade and investment promotion activities to take full advantage of the UK - Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA), and expanding cooperation in education - training, science - technology, and health care.

Minister of State Milling told Son that her nation regards Vietnam as an important partner in the region as it is looking to augment cooperation with the Indo-Pacific, adding that the UK aspires to enhance links in the fields matching the two sides’ strength and demand.

She also hailed Vietnam’s strong commitment at COP26 to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, while stating the UK’s readiness to help Vietnam realise the commitments about emissions, climate change response, and sustainable energy transition.

The pair consented to maintain close coordination at multilateral forums, particularly the United Nations and regional cooperation mechanisms.

Milling glowingly spoke of Vietnam’s role and contributions as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council during 2020 - 2021. She also applauded the country’s support for the UK to become a full dialogue partner of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The two officials also compared notes on some international and regional issues of shared concern.

VOV