Foreign Minister meets with visiting British Minister of State for Asia
Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son received Amanda Milling, Minister of State for Asia and the Middle East at the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, in Hanoi on March 29.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son (R) and British Minister of State for Asia and the Middle East Amanda Milling meet in Hanoi on March 29. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son received AmandaMilling, Minister of State for Asia and the Middle Eastat the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, in Hanoi onMarch 29.
Millingis on a working visit to Vietnam on the occasion of the 8th Vietnam -UK strategic dialogue at the deputy foreign minister level.
Minister Son expressed his delight at the strides in thetwo countries’ strategic partnership as seen in Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’ssuccessful trip to the UK and attendance in the COP26 there from October 31 toNovember 3, 2021.
As the two countries are about to mark the 50th founding anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2023, Vietnam wishes to furtherintensify the strategic partnership with the UK, he said.
Son called for increasing high-level mutualvisits; enhancing the key cooperation mechanisms, including the strategicdialogue at the deputy foreign minister level, the joint economic and tradecooperation committee, and the defence policy dialogue; stepping up trade andinvestment promotion activities to capitalise on the UK - Vietnam Free Trade Agreement(UKVFTA); and expanding ties in education - training, science - technology, andhealth care.
Minister of State Milling affirmed her country viewsVietnam as an important partner in the region as it is looking to bolstercooperation with the Indo-Pacific, adding that the UK hopes to strengthen links inthe fields matching the two sides’ strength and demand.
Highly valuing Vietnam’s strong commitment at COP26 toachieve net zero emissions by 2050, she said the UK will assist Vietnam to realisethe commitments about emissions, climate change response, and sustainableenergy transition.
The two officials agreed tokeep their countries’ close coordination at multilateral forums, particularly theUnited Nations and regional cooperation mechanisms.
Milling spoke highly of Vietnam’s role and contributions as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council during 2020 - 2021. She alsoappreciated the country’s support for the UK to become a full dialogue partnerof the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
On this occasion, Minister Son and the UK Minister of Statealso discussed some international and regional issues of commonconcern./.
Vietnamese Ambassador to the United Kingdom (UK) Nguyen Hoang Long had a meeting in London on March 16 with the Chair of the British Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (BGIPU), MP John Whittingdale, and its members who vowed to help promote the strategic partnership between the two countries.
The United Kingdom is the second largest economy in Europe, with a free trade policy and a large demand for agricultural imports so Vietnamese exporting firms, particularly coffee exporters, should make use of opportunities brought about by the UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA) as well as issue a strategy to approach potential partners to push up exports to this market, according to Vietnamese Trade Office in the UK.
The Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) is ready to cooperate with the British Chamber of Commerce (Britcham) in supporting enterprises, especially those engaged in renewable energy and sustainable development to limit waste and environmental pollution, VCCI Chairman Pham Tan Cong said.
Deputy Foreign Minister Pham Quang Hieu and the UK's Minister of State for Asia and the Middle East Amanda Milling co-chaired the eighth Vietnam-UK strategic dialogue in Hanoi on March 28.
The Vietnam Days in the UK 2022 began on March 28 (local time), promising to treat attendees to a series of cultural, art, sport and trade-investment promotion events, mostly in London.
The launch of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, even before the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is considered a testament to President Ho Chi Minh’s strategic foresight and strong belief in the guiding power of the revolutionary media.
New Zealand is currently one of Vietnam’s most important partners in the region, marked by a high level of political trust, strong and reliable defence and security cooperation, and increasingly open economic, trade, and investment ties.
Party General Secretary To Lam stressed that the Central Public Security Party Committee must be fully aware of the extremely important role of the People's Public Security force in the country's new revolutionary phase, so as to guide each branch and level of the force as the nation undergoes transformation.
Addressing concerns over university education spending, Son explained that as public universities gain greater autonomy, the Ministry of Finance has scaled back recurrent state funding. “Over the past decade, as autonomy has increased, the State's support has steadily declined”, he noted
Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane affirmed that the presence of Vietnamese press offices in Laos vividly demonstrates the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations, as the press is not only a means of communication but also an important bridge for spreading consciousness about the history, values, and strategic depth of the Laos – Vietnam relationship to the people of both countries and the international community.
The country is willing to participate in collective efforts to promote cooperation and mobilise resources to advance the current priority issues of developing countries, such as trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, making the most of scientific and technological advances for development, and people-to-people exchanges, Hang said.
During the negotiations, the US highly evaluated Vietnam’s goodwill and efforts, affirmed its appreciation for the bilateral relationship, acknowledged Vietnam’s proposals and concerns, and considered these an important basis for continuing discussions and moving towards a final agreement.
The Chairman stressed the need for stricter fiscal discipline, faster digital transformation, and more efficient management of State budget revenues and expenditures.
The ministry has instructed Vietnamese representative agencies in Israel, Iran, as well as those in neighbouring countries, to closely monitor the situation and request local authorities to ensure absolute safety for Vietnamese citizens living, studying, and working in high-risk areas.
Senior Vietnamese leaders on June 19 sent letters of congratulations to New Zealand leaders on the occasion of the 50th founding anniversary of Vietnam – New Zealand diplomatic relations (June 19, 1975 – 2025).
The Party chief attributed the achievements in the first half to the continuous, direct, and comprehensive leadership of the Politburo and the Secretariat of the Party Central Committee, and the close and effective coordination of relevant ministries, sectors and localities.
General Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chief of the VPA’s General Staff and Deputy Minister of National Defence reaffirmed Vietnam’s unwavering gratitude for Cuba’s invaluable support during its struggle for independence and nation-building efforts, and pledged to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Cuba as it navigates current challenges.
Vietnam is a country with which Russia shares a special relationship. In the 1950s and 60s, particularly during Vietnam’s struggle for independence, the two countries forged a deep bond. While much has changed over time, the friendship and cooperation between our nations have endured, said Russian President Vladimir Putin.
For 50 years, Vietnam and New Zealand have worked together to uphold peace and prosperity for their peoples and the region. The friendship, cooperation, and mutual understanding Vietnam and New Zealand nurtured have grown from a seed into a deeply rooted, strong, and thriving tree, she stressed.
Since the Strategic Partnership was established in 2020, Vietnam and New Zealand have witnessed steady growth in the relations. Beyond the remarkable 40% increase in bilateral trade over five years, political relations and multilateral interactions, particularly within the CPTPP framework, have remained highly positive.
Known as the “four pillars for Vietnam’s ascend”, the Pobiburo's Resolutions 57, 59, 66, and 68 focus on cultivating a robust national entrepreneurial spirit, unlocking resources for innovation across society, and accelerating the development of digital economy, knowledge-based economy, green economy, and circular economy, propelling Vietnam forward rapidly and firmly on the path of modernisation and international integration.
Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang cleared up deputies' concern regarding how to spur socio-economic growth, renew traditional growth motives and establish new momentum for development.
Vietnam proposed several priorities: narrowing the digital divide, strengthening women’s leadership in the digital economy and AI governance, and mobilising sustainable financing for gender equality initiatives in line with each country’s national priorities and context. Vietnam also advocated for genuine women’s participation and leadership across all areas of public life.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son (R) and British Minister of State for Asia and the Middle East Amanda Milling meet in Hanoi on March 29. (Photo: VNA) 
