Vietnam, UK promote cooperation in human trafficking prevention and control

Deputy Minister Chien congratulated his guest on successfully co-chairing the first UK – Vietnam migration dialogue alongisde the Ministry of Public Security on the morning of August 15.

Deputy Minister Chien emphasised that over recent years leaders from both nations have actively promoted co-operative relations between the two countries, as demonstrated by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s visit to UK in November, 2021. This is along with his attendance at the COP26 Conference and National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue’s official visit to the UK in June.

These visits can be considered to be of great significance, particularly as they contribute to strengthening the strategic partnership and co-operation between the two countries, whilst simultaneously offering mutual support in a multitude of fields, in which defence co-operation is an important element

Within the framework of the visit made by the top Vietnamese legislator, the two defence ministries co-chaired the first session of the fourth Vietnam - UK Defence Policy Dialogue. The event featured several practical contents that serve as a basis for the two sides to organise the second session this coming October to mark the occasion of the visit to Vietnam by Baroness Goldie DL, Minister of State at the UK Ministry of Defence.

With regard to human trafficking prevention, based on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on co-operation in this field signed in November, 2018, the Border Guard Command has maintained an effective co-operation mechanism with the UK Border Agency.

The two sides therefore had many exchange and training sessions in order to share experience and are actively working together in compiling manuals on human trafficking prevention and control for Border Guard forces.

The Vietnam Ministry of National Defence used the platform to thank their UK counterparts for their effective co-operation and support in human trafficking prevention and control over recent times, while hoping that both sides will continue to ramp up co-operation and share experience in this field.

Moving forward, Deputy Minister Chien suggested that the British side continue to co-ordinate and effectively implement the MoU on co-operation in human trafficking prevention. This can be achieved by maintaining meetings, training, and information exchange activities, as well as sharing mutual experience in research and ties with the Border Guard Academy in order to develop training materials and textbooks on human trafficking prevention and control.

According to Rycroft, Vietnam represents an important strategic partner in term of co-operation in preventing and combating illegal migration and human trafficking, which is also an important co-operation content that brings mutual benefits to both sides.

He also congratulated the nation on being one of the pioneer countries in the region in proactively solving issues related to climate change.

In the lead up to the 50th anniversary of joint diplomatic ties ahead in 2023, he suggested that both sides continue to boost multiple areas of co-operation, including the co-operation in immigration of the UK  Home Office.