Hanoi (VNA) – Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinhon July 22 suggested Vietnam and the UK continue to consolidate and strengthencooperation between the two defence ministries and armies, both bilaterally andat multilateral forums.

The two sides should work to effectively realise cooperationagreements in national defence, contributing to the Vietnam-UK strategicpartnership in conformity with each side's interests, and contributing to peace and stabilityin the region and the world, PM Chinh told UK Secretary of State for DefenceRobert Ben Lobban Wallace in Hanoi on July 22.

Speaking highly the first visit to Vietnam by Wallace,PM Chinh said the trip vividly demonstrates both sides’ goodwill to promote thefriendship and mutually-beneficial cooperation between the two defenceministries, armies and people of the two countries, helping to deepen the bilateral strategic partnership.

He lauded strong development steps of the Vietnam-UKrelations in such spheres as politics, economy, national defence and security,and sustainable development.

The PM called on the UK to effectively implement theUK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA), encourage its firms to invest inVietnam and facilitate Vietnamese goods’ access to the UK market.

PM Chinh suggested the UK Government continue itsCOVID-19 vaccine supply to Vietnam, create conditions for the Southeast Asian countryto soon acquire vaccines under the COVAX Facility and access vaccine suppliesas soon and as many as possible, and early transfer the vaccineproduction technology to Vietnam.

Regarding the 26th United Nations Climate ChangeConference (COP26) to be hosted by the UK in November, the government leader expressed hisbelief that the event will contribute to promoting global efforts in responding to climate change. Vietnam stands ready to work closely with the UK andother partners to make the conference a success, he pledged.

Wallace, for his part, said he is impressed byachievements Vietnam has recorded in socio-economic development and COVID-19prevention and control, as well as its development potential. The UK always attaches importance to its strategic partnership with Vietnam, he affirmed.

Praising Vietnam’s contributions in the region and theworld, he said the UK Department of Defence is willing to closely cooperate with the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence to enhance exchanges and consolidate mutual trust, and step upmutually beneficial cooperation, covering training, experience sharing andcollaboration within multilateral frameworks like UN peacekeeping operations.

While comparing notes on regional and internationalissues, the two sides stressed the importance of ensuring order, security,safety and freedom of navigation, and addressing disputes via peaceful measuresin line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention onthe Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), contributing to the maintenance of peace, stability,cooperation and development in the region and the world at large./.