VN, UK promote Strategic Partnership

VGP – Viet Nam and the UK commit to strengthening cooperation in economics, trade and investment as the top priorities in their Strategic Partnership.

April 17, 2014 10:53 AM GMT+7

Deputy PM Vu Van Ninh held talks with UK Foreign Secretary William Hague, London, the UK, April 16, 2014 - Photo: VGP/Thanh Chung

Deputy PM Vu Van Ninh on April 16 held talks with UK Foreign Secretary William Hague during his working visit to the UK.

The two sides exchanged views on their socio-economic development and diplomatic policies as well as measures to promote the Strategic Partnership in the fields of politics, diplomacy, trade, investment, cooperation, education, training, national defense, security and international and regional issues of mutual concerns.

Mr. William Hague is optimistic about the economic development of Viet Nam and cooperative potentials of both sides, asserting that the UK Government commits to boosting the relationship in the future.

The two sides affirmed to create favorable conditions for their businesses to increase investment in each nation.

The UK will do its utmost to urge the EU to complete the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiation round with Viet Nam in 2014 and recognize Viet Nam as a market economy, stated the UK Foreign Secretary.

Speaking of two-way trade value of US$4 billion in 2013, they expressed their hope to raise the UK’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Viet Nam to US$3 billion.

The Vietnamese Deputy PM thanked the UK for is provision of Official Development Assistance (ODA) for Viet Nam till 2016, confirming that the source will be used effectively for the nation’s socio-economic development and international integration.

He expected that the UK will continue giving ODA for Viet Nam after 2016 through multi-lateral channels, proposing the UK to support the World Bank's continued assistance to Viet Nam.

The host highly valued the role of Viet Nam at international forums, agreed to enhance dialogues and cooperation with Viet Nam at the United Nations, the Asia–Europe Meeting (ASEM) and in the framework of cooperation between ASEAN and the EU as well as supported the establishment of an ASEAN Community by 2015.

The UK supported the viewpoint of Viet Nam in dealing with conflicts in the East Sea through peaceful measures based on international laws and suggested Viet Nam bring into full play its role as a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council in promoting human rights in Viet Nam and in the world, said Mr.William Hague.

By Thuy Dung