At the meeting (Photo: VNA) London (VNA) –Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son has affirmed that Vietnamattaches importance to strengthening strategic partnership with the UK.
During a workingsession with British Secretary of State forForeign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs James Cleverly inLondon on May 5, Son said President Vo Van Thuong’s acceptance of the invitation to the coronation of King CharlesIII by the British Royal Family is a clear testament to increased politicaltrust and multifaceted cooperation between the two countries.
Heexpressed his delight at the strong developments of bilateral relationship invarious fields, in line with the 2020 Joint Declaration on the Vietnam - UK Strategic Partnership: Forging Ahead for Another 10 Years.
Tofurther deepen bilateral ties in the coming time, Son proposed that both sides facilitatethe exchange of all-level delegations, especially those at high level; effectivelydeploy bilateral cooperation mechanisms, offer mutual support at multilateralforums, actively implement the UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA), boostbilateral trade and investment cooperation and encourage the UK firms toincrease investment in Vietnam in areas of the UK's strengths that align with Vietnam'sdevelopment orientation, such as climate change response, renewable energy,finance-banking, digital transformation, innovation, and high-qualityinfrastructure.
Vietnamsupports and congratulates the UK on completing negotiations for the Comprehensiveand Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), Son said.
Heproposed the UK continue assisting Vietnam in coping with climate change,especially in affected areas such as the Mekong Delta; building institutionsand policies, and training human resources in the green transition and sustainabledevelopment process. Additionally, the two countries should sign an agreementon research, innovation and startup ecosystem development.
Son also sought the UK’s support in improving Vietnam’s health carecapacity and building a resilient health care system.
Cleverly, for his part, thanked PresidentThuong for attending the coronation of the King, especially at a timewhen the two countries are celebrating the 50th anniversary ofdiplomatic ties, saying that it reflects the growing all-around cooperationbetween the two countries.
Highlighting Vietnam’sincreasingly important role in the region and the world, he described Vietnam asan important partner of the UK in the Asia-Pacific and thanked Vietnam forsupporting the UK in its entry to the CPTPP.
He agreed on theneed to build measures to continue deepeningbilateral strategic partnership in an effective and practical manner thatmatches aspirations and ability of both sides.
Thehost also concurred with Son’s proposal to strengthen bilateral coordinationacross the board, including establishing a trilateral agricultural cooperationmechanism between the UK, Vietnam, and a third partner; supporting thestrengthening of people-to-people exchange, especially in education and youthconnectivity.
Regardingthe East Sea issue, host and guest shared the view that ensuring security,safety, freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea plays a crucialrole in peace and prosperity in the region and theworld. All disputes should be settled peacefully through dialogue in line with internationallaw, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea(UNCLOS).
Theysupported the observance of the Declaration on the Con💫duct of Parties in the EastSea (DOC) and the efforts to 💦achieve an effective, efficient and substantiveCode of Conduct in the East Sea (COC)./.
