Speaking at a ceremony marking Vietnam’s National Day held by the Vietnamese Embassy in the U.K. on September 26, Keegan affirmed that the U.K. always welcomes students and businesses from the Southeast Asian nation.
She noted that bilateral trade increased 11% since the U.K.- Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA) was signed in 2020, and the UK is working to boost two-way trade as the country aims to expand its trade ties in Indo-Pacific.
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Gillian Keegan, British Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, speaks at the event. |
Expressing her delight at the establishment of a partnership in energy transition by the U.K., Vietnam and the E.U., Keegan said Vietnam is an important partner of the U.K. in cooperation in response to climate change.
In his remarks, Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Hoang Long recalled the day when President Ho Chi Minh delivered the Declaration of Independence, proclaiming the birth of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam) on September 2, 1945, and reviewed achievements the country has recorded after 36 years of Doi Moi (Reform).
The diplomat reiterated Vietnam’s commitment to becoming a good friend, a reliable partner and a responsible member of the international community, saying the country stands ready to join global efforts to promote peace, stability, and friendship, towards a world of sustainable and inclusive development.
Long also highlighted developments in the Vietnam - U.K. strategic partnership over the past time, especially the U.K. visit by National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue last June.
The U.K. is one of the 10 biggest buyers of Vietnam, while the Southeast Asian nation is an important trade partner of the U.K. in ASEAN, he said, adding that a major program with various trade, culture, education and tourism activities will be held in both Vietnam and the U.K.
On this occasion, the Vietnamese Embassy launched a vote to select logo for the celebration of 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties.
Source: VNA