Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held online talks with his UK counterpart Boris Johnson on October 26. (Photo: VNA)
Chinh again thanked the UK government for its timely donation of 415,000 doses of AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine to Vietnam, and suggested the UK continue to help Vietnam access vaccines and treatment drugs, especially the transfer of Covid-19 vaccine production technologies.
Lauding Vietnam’s performance in pandemic prevention and control, Johnson said the UK will present more medical supplies worth GBP 500,000 (US$689,930) to the Southeast Asian nation.
PM Chinh spoke highly of the UK’s leading role in raising commitments and initiatives at the upcoming 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) and affirmed that Vietnam will continue to make strong commitments to contributing to global efforts against climate change, and closely coordinate with the UK to ensure the success of the event.
Both PMs expressed their delight at the strong development of the Vietnam-UK strategic partnership over the past time, and consented to further the coordination to accelerate the materialization of multi-faceted cooperation orientations.
Johnson praised Vietnam’s role and position in the region and within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), stressing the UK considers Vietnam an important partner in the region as the UK is adjusting its policy towards strengthening cooperation with Indo-Pacific.
Chinh suggested the UK further facilitate access to its market for Vietnamese goods, and encourage British firms to expand their investments in areas with good potential in Vietnam.
The leaders noted with pleasure the fine cooperation between Vietnam and the UK at the United Nations Security Council during the time when Vietnam serves as a non-permanent member (2020-2021), and within the framework of the Asia-Europe Economic Meeting (ASEM).
Johnson thanked Vietnam for supporting the UK to become a dialogue partner of ASEAN, as well as in negotiations to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
While exchanging views on regional and international issues of shared concern, the leaders stressed the significance of ensuring the freedom of navigation and aviation, security and peace in the East Sea, and observing international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982 UNCLOS) – a legal framework for all activities at sea.
The Vietnamese PM invited his UK counterpart to pay an official visit to Vietnam at an early date. PM Johnson accepted the invitation with pleasure.
