PM expects stronger Vietnam – UK relations across all fields
VOV.VN - Vietnam always attaches importance to strengthening bilateral relations with the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh told outgoing British ambassador Gareth Ward in Hanoi on August 2.
Chinh appreciated the ambassador’s positive contributions during his recent working term, helping to foster the Vietnam - UK Strategic Partnership in all fields.
The enforcement of the UK - Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA) has contributed to further promoting economic - trade relations, with two-way trade last year reaching nearly US$6.6 billion, up 17.2% year on year, according to the Government leader.
The PM suggested that the two sides continue to take advantage of preferences from the UKVFTA to increase bilateral economic - trade - investment cooperation. He also suggested that the British side increase imports of Vietnamese agricultural products and seasonal fruits, and at the same time invest more in such fields as green growth, digital transformation, start-ups and innovation, supply chain diversification, education - training, and pharmaceuticals manufacturing in Vietnam.
The PM voiced Vietnam’s strong resolve to implement its net-zero emissions commitments at the 26th UN Conference on Climate Change (COP26), by acting quickly, strongly, and comprehensively, especially in the field of energy transition and infrastructure development to adapt to climate change.
Besides its resources, Vietnam needs international assistance and know-hows to realise its climate goals, said Chinh.
The PM thanked the British Government for delivering COVID-19 vaccines and medical equipment to Vietnam during the height of the COVID-19 outbreak in the country. He proposed that the two sides continue to cooperate in vaccine research, production, and technology transfer, and support Vietnam in developing pharmaceutical technology as well as improving its medical capacity.
For his part, Ambassador Gareth Ward thanked Vietnam for supporting the UK in becoming a full dialogue partner of ASEAN and actively cooperating with the UK in COVID-19 prevention and control.
He welcomed the Vietnamese PM’s proposals and affirmed that the British Prime Minister and other Cabinet members highly value Vietnam’s rising role and its commitments at COP26, helping to improve the country’s image in the eyes of international investors.
The Ambassador recalled that he had already come into contact with many British investment ventures that are willing to invest in Vietnam. He affirmed that the UK would continue to accompany and support Vietnam in its development, especially in the fields of climate change response and green and sustainable growth.
The two sides exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual concern. The British Ambassador expressed support for the stances of ASEAN and Vietnam on ensuring security, safety, freedom of aviation and navigation, and settling disputes in the East Sea by peaceful means on the basis of international law, especially the UN Charter and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).