Hanoi (VNA) – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh andBritish Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab expressed their belief that therelations between Vietnam and the UK will be expanded and enhanced in the timeahead, during their phone talks on July 13.

Theyrejoiced at the strong development of the bilateral strategic partnership overthe past decade, and shared the view that the two countries still have hugepotential for further cooperation.

Minhproposed the two countries increase exchanges and visits, while maintainingcooperation mechanisms, including the strategic dialogue at the deputyministerial level.

Healso called for more efforts towards the signing of the Vietnam-UK free tradeagreement.

Theofficial lauded the British government’s efforts and initiatives to promoteinternational collaboration in the fight against COVID-19, and pledged thatVietnam stands ready to join hands with the UK in these efforts.

Minhalso suggested the two sides continue their mutual support in citizenprotection, saying Vietnam facilitates the entry of foreign investors, experts,managers and labourers, including those from the UK.

Forhis part, Raab stressed that the UK considers Vietnam an important partner inAsia-Pacific and Southeast Asia in its foreign policy and wishes to deepen thestrategic partnership across spheres and strengthen bilateral agreements tomaintain the pace of the bilateral ties, notably in economy and trade, when theUK leaves the European Union.

Hecongratulated Vietnam on its successes in containing the COVID-19 pandemic, andthanked Vietnamese competent agencies and doctors for their dedication intreating British citizens infected with the coronavirus.

Theminister told the Vietnamese official that the UK has listed Vietnam among the countriesfrom where travelers would be exempted from quarantine regulations.

Hepraised Vietnam’s ASEAN Chairmanship and non-permanent membership of the UNSecurity Council (UNSC), and promised that the UK will further cooperate andcoordinate with Vietnam in multilateral frameworks, the UNSC and othermultilateral forums.

Raabalso affirmed the UK’s support in maintaining peace, security and stability in the East Sea, aswell as respect for international law, including the 1982 United NationsConvention on the Law of the Sea (1982 UNCLOS).

Theminister expressed his hope for stronger ASEAN-UK ties, and called on Vietnamto back the cooperation.

Inthis regard, Minh said as the ASEAN Chair, Vietnam supports external partners,including the UK, to step up cooperation with the grouping and applauds sides’contributions to peace, cooperation and the observance of international law inthe region and the world./.