VN-UK deputy foreign minister-level political consultation held

Viet Nam-UK deputy foreign minister-level political consultation in Ha Noi on January 2, 2019 - Photo: VNA

At the event, the two sides discussed and consented specific measures to promote Viet Nam-UK Strategic Partnership more intensively and effectively in such areas as politics-diplomacy, trade-investment, education-training, climate change adaption, security-defense, tourism especially in the context the UK is leaving the EU. 

Viet Nam always attaches importance to consolidating and developing the cooperative relations with the UK, asserted Mr. Bui Thanh Son. 

They agreed to strengthen delegation exchanges and regular meetings between their high-ranking leaders as well as continue launching the strategic dialogues on diplomacy-security-defense and enhance cooperation at multi-lateral forums, especially the United Nations. 

Mr. Mark Field affirmed that investment and trade cooperation is one of pillars of Viet Nam-UK Strategic Partnership, referring to the two-way trade value of US$6.1 billion in 2017 (up 9.5% against in 2016) and US$6.2 billion over the first 11 months of  2018 (a year-on-year increase of 10.1%). 

Viet Nam attracted 283,000 British visitors in 2017 and 276,000 ones in the first 11 months of 2018. 

The two sides consented to maintain close connection to ensure the continuity of bilateral trade and investment relations after the UK leaves the EU. 

The Vietnamese side affirmed to create all favorable conditions for UK businesses to do effective business in Viet Nam, particularly in areas of energy, health and environment.

The two sides agreed to step up educational collaboration through strengthening exchanges and connection between universities and research institutes of the two countries in the time ahead. At present, 12,000 Vietnamese are pursuing their study in the UK.

The UK diplomat applauded recent positive developments in the cooperation between the two countries’ defense ministries, confirming that the UK will continue coordinating with the Vietnamese side in effectively implementing bilateral defense cooperation mechanisms on the basis of the memorandum of understanding on cooperation between the two defense ministries.

He noted that his country will continue to support Viet Nam in participating in the UN peacekeeping activities. 

Regarding security cooperation, the two sides pledged to continue close coordination in the fight against corruption, organized crime, human trafficking and wildlife smuggling. 

Within the framework of the political consultation, Bui Thanh Son and Mark Field also exchanged their views on regional and international issues of mutual concern.

They agreed on the importance of improving the efficiency of global administration, regional connectivity and international law. 

Regarding the East Sea issue, the two sides affirmed that disputes must be solved by peaceful means in line with international law, especially the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), highlighting the increasingly important role of ASEAN in maintaining regional peace and stability.

By Thuy Dung