The British official is on a working visit to Vietnam on the occasion of the 8th Vietnam - U.K. strategic dialogue at the deputy foreign minister level.
At the reception, Minister Son expressed his delight at the development of the two countries’ strategic partnership over the past years, especially the successful trip to the U.K. of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his attendance in the COP26 from October 31 to November 3, 2021.
As the two countries are about to mark the 50th founding anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2023, Vietnam wishes to further intensify the strategic partnership with the U.K., he said.
Son called for increasing high-level mutual visits; enhancing the key cooperation mechanisms, including the strategic dialogue at the deputy foreign minister level, the joint economic and trade cooperation committee, and the defense policy dialogue; stepping up trade and investment promotion activities to capitalize on the U.K. - Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA); and expanding ties in education - training, science - technology, and health care.
Minister of State Milling affirmed her country views Vietnam as an important partner in the region, as it is looking to bolster cooperation with the Indo-Pacific, adding that the U.K. hopes to strengthen links in the fields matching the two sides’ strength and need.
Highly valuing Vietnam’s strong commitment at COP26 to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, she said the U.K. will assist Vietnam to realize the commitments about emissions, climate change response, and sustainable energy transition.
The two officials agreed to keep their countries’ close coordination at multilateral forums, particularly the United Nations and regional cooperation mechanisms.
Milling spoke highly of Vietnam’s role and contribution as a non-permanent member of the U.N. Security Council during 2020 - 2021. She also appreciated the country’s support for the U.K. to become a full dialogue partner of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
On this occasion, Minister Son and the U.K. minister of state also discussed some international and regional issues of common concern.
Source: PANO/VNA
Translated by Chung Anh