According to British Ambassador to Vietnam Iain Frew, the two countries will further promote cooperation in 2023 and the following years.
Speaking at the ceremony held on December 14 in Hanoi to unveil the official logo to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the United Kingdom (1973 - 2023), Ambassador Iain Frew was delighted that he is present in Vietnam at such a special time when the two countries are set to mark 50 years of diplomatic relations, the U.K. - Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA) has taken effect, and the U.K. has become ASEAN’s dialogue partner. Especially, the United Kingdom is aiming to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), of which Vietnam is a member, he added.
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British Ambassador to Vietnam Iain Frew speaking at the event |
According to the British Ambassador, for 12 years, the strategic partnership between Vietnam and the U.K. has achieved remarkable outcomes, especially in trade. Currently, total trade in goods and services between Vietnam and the U.K. reaches GBP 5.9 billion, up 12.4 percent over the same period last year.
Meanwhile, both countries have further stepped up educational and scientific cooperation, promoting the collaboration between schools and educational organizations in Vietnam and the U.K. Currently, around 15,000 Vietnamese students are studying in the U.K.
The recent visit of the U.K. Minister for Armed Forces James Heappey to Vietnam to attend the Vietnam International Defense Expo 2022, and existing cooperation with Vietnam in U.N. peacekeeping operations has reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s commitment to becoming a reliable partner of Vietnam.
Ambassador Iain Frew emphasized 2023 is a special year for the two countries. With the theme of “United Kingdom and Vietnam build a better future together,” both sides will further strengthen cooperation in response to global issues, including climate change and boost bilateral trade cooperation.
Earlier, at the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow last year, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh committed a target to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Vietnam and the United Kingdom are working together to establish the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).
In addition, the United Kingdom Embassy will launch the U.K.-Vietnam dialogue to promote people-to-people exchange and foster linkage between businesses, scholars, educational institutions, people in both countries. Various festivals, artistic programs and exhibitions will take place in Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City.
The official logo to celebrate 50 years of Vietnam – U.K. diplomatic relations has been designed by Ngo Quang Trung, a student from Ho Chi Minh City. It was inspired by the image of Khue Van Cac of Viet Nam and the Big Ben clock tower of the U.K. The logo will be used for all activities in 2023 organized by the British Embassy and Consulate General in Vietnam.
Translated by Quynh Oanh