Speaking highly of the outcomes of strategic dialogue on diplomacy, national defence-security in Hanoi in January 2018, both sides vowed to work closely together at multilateral forums, especially the United Nations and the Asia-Europe Meeting.
On trade-investment, they welcomed the possibility of accelerating negotiations on Vietnam – UK Free Trade Agreement in order to enhance bilateral trade and investment after the UK leaves the EU.
Hunt also promised to push forward the signing and ratification of the EU-Vietnam FTA.
About the East Sea issue, the two sides agreed with the principle of settling disputes by peaceful means in line with international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
The UK side highlighted support for law abidance, security, safety and freedom of navigation and overflight in international waters and oceans.
Meeting Prince Andrew, Duke of York at Buckingham Palace on October 9, Minh expressed his honour to visit the UK on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties and wished that the British Royal would continue backing Vietnam-UK strategic partnership.
He suggested that the Prince, with his prestige and influence, calls for UK investment in Vietnam, especially in start-ups and innovation.
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Vietnamese Deputy PM and FM Pham Binh Minh (R) meets with Prince Andrew, Duke of York at Buckingham Palace on October 9. (Photo: VOV)
Andrew, for his part, said he holds special sentiment towards Vietnam and its people and wished that the Vietnamese government would offer all possible support to UK investors to do business in the country as potential of bilateral collaboration remains huge.
On the occasion, Deputy PM Minh presented Friendship Order to Prince Andrew in honour of his contributions to Vietnam-UK ties.
Speaking at the Vietnam-UK Economic Forum that attracted over 200 leading UK and Vietnamese firms on October 9 afternoon, Minh affirmed that Vietnam considers the development of trade and investment with the UK a pillar in bilateral strategic partnership.
He highlighted Vietnam’s advantages such as a huge market, high-quality workforce, constructive government, global integration with 16 FTAs which are already in force and under negotiation, digital infrastructure ready for the fourth industrial revolution and start-ups.
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Vietnamese Deputy PM and FM Pham Binh Minh speaks at the Vietnam-UK Economic Forum on October 9. (Photo: chinhphu.vn)
On the evening the same day, Deputy PM Minh attended a ceremony celebrating the 45th anniversary of Vietnam-UK diplomatic ties.
Speaking at the event, he spoke highly of gigantic progress in bilateral ties over the past 45 years, especially since the establishment of strategic partnership in 2010.
The Vietnamese official said Vietnam welcomes the Vision “Global UK” and called on the UK to make positive contributions to peace, stability, cooperation and development in Asia Pacific.
In his speech, Minister of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Mark Field hailed Vietnam’s improving stature in the region and believed that ties between both sides will thrive in the near future.
On the occasion, Minh presented friendship orders and medals to several UK individuals in recognition of their contributions to bilateral friendship.
