At the dialogue, the two sides affirmed that the Vietnam - U.K. strategic partnership is positively developing in line with the spirit of the two countries' joint seclaration on strategic partnership released in September 2020.
As COVID-19 has been being put under control in both countries, the two sides agreed to increase delegation exchange at various levels and resume cooperation mechanisms such as policy dialogue at the deputy defense minister level and the Vietnam – U.K. Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) soon.
They will collaborate to organize activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam – U.K. diplomatic relations (1973-2023), in various fields such as trade, investment and tourism promotion activities, and cultural and people-to-people exchange events.
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Deputy Foreign Minister Pham Quang Hieu voices his opinions. |
Regarding defense cooperation, both sides welcomed positive developments in the bilateral defense ties over the past time, which is marked by the Vietnam visit of British Secretary of State for Defense Ben Wallace in July 2021 and the effective implementation of the Vietnam - U.K. defense policy dialogue mechanism. They agreed to enhance the exchanges of defense delegations and increase capacity for Vietnamese officers joining U.N. peacekeeping operations.
Regarding security cooperation, the two sides concurred to continue to coordinate closely in the areas of migration, entry-exit, mutual judicial assistance, extradition, organized and high-tech crime prevention, human trafficking combat as well as cooperation in personnel training and capacity improvement.
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U.K. Minister of State for Asia and the Middle East Amanda Milling speaks at the meeting. |
Affirming that the U.K. considers Vietnam an important partner in the region in the context that the European country is adjusting its policy towards stronger partnership with the Indo - Pacific region, Milling thanked Vietnam for supporting the U.K. to become a full dialogue partner of ASEAN as well as during negotiations for the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Both sides agreed to continue working closely at multilateral forums and regional cooperation mechanisms.
They also discussed a number of international and regional issues of mutual concern, underlining the significance of ensuring aviation and maritime freedom, security and peace in the East Sea (South China Sea).
Source: VNA
Translated by Trung Thanh