Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam is a leading partner of the UK in the region, BritishMinister of State for Asia Nigel Adams told Vietnamese Deputy Ministerof Foreign Affairs To Anh Dung during their talks in Hanoi on July 22.

Adams said the UK wants to strengthen the comprehensive cooperation with Vietnam inpolitics, economy, and national defence and security, in thecontext of the UK adjusting its policy towards the Indo-Pacific.

Dungspoke highly of the development of the Vietnam-UKstrategic partnership, and suggested the UK continue to help Vietnam access vaccines supplies and provide the country withmedical equipment like ventilators and quick test kits so that Vietnam can quickly stamp out the resurgence of COVID-19.

Thetwo sides agreed to step up meetings between their high-ranking leaders, bothonline and in-person, and soon resume regular delegation exchanges and majorcooperation mechanisms such as the strategic defence and security dialogue atthe deputy foreign ministerial level.

Regardingeconomic cooperation, they emphasised the need to closely coordinate to popularise and optimise opportunities generated by the UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA)to create breakthroughs in trade and investment ties in potential fields likedigital economy, smart urban areas, financial services and renewable energy.

Theyalso consented to continue their close coordination at multilateral forums, especiallythe United Nations Security Council (UNSC) during Vietnam's tenure as a non-permanent member (2020-2021), and within the framework of theAsia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) forum.

Adams said he hopes that Vietnam will further support the UK in its effort to becomea dialogue partner of ASEAN, as well as in negotiations to join theComprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

The officialsexchanged views on regional and international issues of shared concern, andstressed the significance of ensuring the freedom of navigation and aviation,security and peace in the East Sea, and upholding international law, with the1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982 UNCLOS) considered a“charter on sea and ocean,” and a legal framework for all maritime activities.

Adams is accompanying UK Secretary of State for Defence Robert Ben LobbanWallace in an official visit to Vietnam.

Aspart of the visit, Wallace on July 22 visited the Diplomatic Academyof Vietnam, where he held a dialogue with Vietnamese scholars and students ofthe academy.

He saidthrough the strategy tilting towards the Asia-Pacific released last March, theUK has affirmed its long-term commitment to peace and stability in the region.

Challengesand security at sea in the region have remained a common concern of the internationalcommunity, Wallace said, explaining that they have affected regional peace and stability,as well as the rule of law.  

Giventhis, the UK wishes to strengthen cooperation with ASEAN countries in the “ASEANway” to promote dialogues and common peace and stability, he said, stressingthat as a permanent member of the UNSC, the UK has a duty to protect therules-based international order.

Wallacelauded Vietnam’s increasing role not only in the region but also in globalissues, as proven in the country’s contributions to UN peacekeeping operations.

TheUK and Vietnam share many strategic visions and interests, such as the views onfree trade and the significance of international law, including the 1982UNCLOS, he said.

TheUK will continue its close coordination with Vietnam to boost cooperationwithin the Vietnam-UK strategic partnership, he pledged.

Wallaceand Adams exchanged views with Vietnamese scholars on the regional situation, as well asthe UK’s role and contributions to the region and orientations to strengthenthe partnership./.