On December 12, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem successfully concluded his visit to the UK and Northern Ireland. The visit was made at the invitation of UK Foreign Secretary William Hague.

During his stay, Mr Khiem held talks with his UK counterpart William Hague and the two leaders signed a joint declaration to establish a Vietnam-UK strategic partnership.

At talks with other UK officials, both sides briefed each other on the situation in their countries, discussed measures to promote bilateral cooperation, and compared notes on international and regional issues of common concern.

They also agreed to promote high-level exchange visits between parliaments, ministries, sectors and localities as well as to strengthen relations between UK political parties and the Communist Party of Vietnam.

Both sides will coordinate closely to prepare for UK Foreign Secretary William Hague’s visit to Vietnam next year.