Vietnam-UK relations fostered across multiple cooperation fields, says diplomat
VOV.VN - Vietnam and the UK have developed a strong, effective and dynamic partnership in all fields of cooperation since they both established diplomatic ties in 1973, according to a Vietnamese diplomat.
Addressing a ceremony marking 50 years of bilateral diplomacy in Hanoi on September 11 evening, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu noted that the establishment of the Vietnam – UK Strategic Partnership in 2010 and the issuance of the Joint Declaration on the Vietnam - UK Strategic Partnership in 2020 have demonstrated the strong vision and commitment of the two Governments.
The two countries have regularly maintained high-level dialogue and exchange mechanisms. Most recently, President Vo Van Thuong visited the UK to attend the Coronation of King Charles III in May 2023.
According to the Deputy Foreign Minister, the UK is currently one of Vietnam’s most important strategic partners. Bilateral economic cooperation is an important pillar in the two countries’ relations. Two-way trade turnover last year reached US$6.9 billion, making the UK Vietnam’s third largest trading partner in Europe and Vietnam’s ninth largest export market in the world.
In 2020, Vietnam and the UK signed the UK - Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA). The UK’s recent accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) also contributes to increasing the role of the trade alliance, bringing the bloc’s GDP to US$14 trillion and is expected to raise Vietnam - UK trade to US$10 billion in the coming time.
Education is another important pillar in the Vietnam - UK strategic partnership, with 12,000 Vietnamese students studying and working in the UK. The UK views Vietnam as one of the priority countries in its International Education Strategy. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the British Council’s activities and the 30th anniversary of the British Government’s Chevening Scholarships in Vietnam.
The two countries are also working closely to address global challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and energy transition.
Deputy Minister Nguyen Minh Vu expressed his belief that the Vietnam-UK relationship will be further developed towards new heights in the time to come.
Taking the floor, British Ambassador to Vietnam Iain Frew said there have been many changes since the UK and Vietnam established diplomatic relations in 1973. Vietnam has gone through an impressive journey of economic development and international integration to which the UK is proud to make a partial contribution.
Thirteen years have elapsed since the two countries upgraded their strategic partnership, he said both the UK and Vietnam are now joining hands in solving important global issues, including climate change. The two countries have become partners in the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).
In his view, the two countries still have a lot of potential for cooperation in the fields of health, research, renewable energy, investment and business. He vowed to work closely with the two countries’ people to preserve and develop the strong bond between the UK and Vietnam.
At the ceremony, distinguished guests enjoyed a concert featuring folk and modern music performances by talented artists and orchestras of the two countries.
