The UK and Vietnam now consider each other as Strategic Partners according to a Joint Declaration signed yesterday between the Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem and the UK Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs the Rt Hon William Hague.
The two leaders met in London to discuss ways to intensify cooperation in existing areas, and expand into new ones. They are pleased to see the elevation of bilateral relations to the highest level of a Strategic Partnership.
The Strategic Partnership provides a framework to develop the bilateral relationship in a comprehensive way, in particular for strengthening and deepening cooperation across these key areas: Political – diplomatic cooperation, Global and regional issues, Trade and Investment, Sustainable socio-economic development, Education, training, science and technology, Security and Defence, and People to people links.
William Hague said, "Today's agreement with Vietnam is yet another example of the UK's commitment to pursuing an active foreign policy with emerging powers around the world. This partnership will bring more direct links between our universities, closer co-operation on serious and organised crime and will continue our frank dialogue on human rights. It is also a real boost for British businesses looking to invest in Vietnam."
During his stay in the UK, Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Khiem will also meet with Mr. Stephen O'Brien MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Department for International Development and Mr. Edward Davey MP, Minister for Employment Relations, Consumer and Postal Affairs. He also will have meetings with Members of Parliament.
The UK is keen for the Strategic Partnership to be a springboard to take our growing bilateral trade relationship to another level. On Friday, 10 September, the Deputy Prime Minister will speak at the opening of the seminar: “Opportunities and policy for investment in infrastructure in Vietnam”. This will promote the expertise of the UK as a provider of PPP solutions.
In London, Mr Pham Gia Khiem will have a number of key commercial meetings with Jardines, BAA and Gatwick airport and will discuss other commercial interests in his meetings with Ministers. Important emerging sectors for the UK include energy, retail and real estate among others.
Ambassador Mark Kent, who accompanies the delegation, said, “ The UK – Vietnam relationship has intensified rapidly since Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung’s visit to the UK in March 2008. The Strategic Partnership Declaration shows the breadth and the depth of our cooperation. The UK is looking to engage more with countries in South East Asia and we are delighted to enter into this Strategic Partnership with Vietnam. We see many opportunities to build links between the people and enterprises of both countries”.
Nam Pham
Vietnamese
