Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang meets Under-Secretary at the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Philip Barton in Hanoi on March 26, 2024. (Photo: The World and Vietnam Report)

They shared the view that the two countries should foster collaboration in finance, banking, education-training, science-technology, and maritime economy, among other fields.

They emphasized the importance of optimizing opportunities generated by the UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA), and step up coordination and mutual support at regional and international organisations and forums like the United Nations, and within the frameworks of the ASEAN-UK relationship and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

Ms. Hang praised the UK’s support for Vietnam within the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) backed by the Group of Seven (G7), and called on the country to continue its assistance in terms of capital, technology and high-quality personnel training.

Mr. Barton said the UK will maintain its support for Vietnam in climate change response, sustainable economic development and biodiversity preservation in the Mekong Delta.

He stressed the significance of ensuring security, safety and freedom of aviation and overflight, and observing international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in all seas and oceans, including the East Sea and the Red Sea.