Speaking at a ceremony marking Vietnam’s National Day held by the Vietnamese Embassy in the UK on September 26, Keegan affirmed that the UK always welcomes students and businesses from the Southeast Asian nation.
She noted that bilateral trade increased 11% since the UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA) was signed in 2020, and the UK is working to boost two-way trade as the country aims to expand its trade ties in Indo-Pacific.
Expressing her delight at the establishment of a partnership in energy transition by the UK, Vietnam and the EU, Keegan said Vietnam is an important partner of the UK in cooperation in response to climate change.
In his remarks, Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Hoang Long recalled the day when President Ho Chi Minh delivered the Declaration of Independence, proclaiming the birth of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam) on September 2, 1945, and reviewed achievements the country has recorded after 36 years of Doi Moi (Reform).
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Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Hoang Long speaks at the event. (Photo: VNA) |
The diplomat reiterated Vietnam’s commitment to becoming a good friend, a reliable partner and a responsible member of the international community, saying the country stands ready to join global efforts to promote peace, stability and friendship, towards a world of sustainable and inclusive development.
Long also highlighted developments in the Vietnam-UK strategic partnership over the past time, especially the UK visit by National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue last June.
The UK is one of the 10 biggest buyers of Vietnam, while the Southeast Asian nation is an important trade partner of the UK in ASEAN, he said, adding that a major programme with various trade, culture, education and tourism activities will be held in both Vietnam and the UK.
On this occasion, the Vietnamese Embassy launched a vote to select logo for the celebration of 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties.
