Bridge to promote ASEAN-UK engagement

Cầu nối thúc đẩy gắn kết ASEAN-Vương quốc Anh

UK Charge d'Affaires in Vietnam Marcus Winsley. (Photo: British Embassy in Vietnam)

Steady leadership, consensus building

In a volatile geopolitical context, ASEAN's perception of its future direction and centrality is becoming increasingly important to both member states and partners.

Vietnam has proactively contributed to strengthening ASEAN's internal strength and promoting cooperation between ASEAN and its partners. As the coordinator of the ASEAN-UK Dialogue Partnership, Vietnam has effectively supported the UK's strategic, long-term and substantive commitments to ASEAN.

During the recent 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy thanked Vietnam for this valuable support and stressed that the ASEAN-UK partnership not only promotes growth but also helps us solve global issues together.

The UK is honoured to become ASEAN’s newest Dialogue Partner in 2021, after a long period of inactivity. The UK believes that Vietnam’s active role in ASEAN – as a member state, coordinator of dialogue partners, and driving force for initiatives such as the ASEAN Future Forum (AFF) – is crucial to maintaining ASEAN centrality, an essential element for maintaining peace and prosperity in the Indo- Pacific region.

From the UK’s perspective, Vietnam’s coordinating role in the ASEAN-UK Dialogue Partnership (2022–2025) is a key channel to receive guidance and feedback from ASEAN in the implementation of the ASEAN-UK Plan of Action (2022–2026).

The plan outlines a roadmap for enhanced cooperation in key areas of mutual benefit, including: Trade and investment, climate change and green growth, education, health security, science and technology. More than 95% of the proposed activities have been or are being implemented – demonstrating strong commitment from both sides and the correctness of the chosen areas of cooperation.

Many practical initiatives have been implemented within this framework. These include the ASEAN-UK Women, Peace and Security (WPS) and Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) programmes; the ASEAN-UK Economic Integration Programme; the ASEAN-UK Health Security Partnership; the ASEAN-UK Green Transformation Fund; the programme to support girls’ education and scholarships for women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics); the ASEAN Chevening Scholarships, etc.

These initiatives reflect shared priorities between the UK and ASEAN, and affirm the strength of the partnership – a relationship that has been strengthened by Vietnam’s strong leadership, diplomatic skills and consensus-building capabilities.

ASEAN-UK Ministerial Meeting within the framework of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting on July 11 in Malaysia. (Photo: Quang Hoa)

Model for the whole region

Vietnam’s position as a regional economic hub and diplomatic bridge further highlights its role in promoting ASEAN’s engagement with external partners. The UK highly values Vietnam’s role and looks forward to continuing to work closely to ensure that ASEAN-UK cooperation delivers tangible results.

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has affirmed at the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting that ASEAN and the Indo-Pacific region are pivotal to the UK's growth and security.

Given Vietnam’s growing capacity and increasingly prominent role in the region and globally, the UK fully supports Vietnam’s proactive approach in cooperating with ASEAN member countries, promoting ASEAN’s voice, supporting ASEAN to take a leading role in the changing regional and global environment, and enhancing intra-bloc connectivity.

Vietnam has demonstrated its capacity to work and lead on complex and sensitive issues such as maritime security, regional connectivity, economic integration and sustainable development. On issues of regional peace and stability, Vietnam has always maintained a consistent stance – from participating in discussions on the Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) to supporting ASEAN’s joint efforts in dealing with the situation in Myanmar, both at the ASEAN and UN levels. Vietnam has contributed to strengthening the Association’s principled and practical approaches.

We also see Vietnam as central to ASEAN’s drive for inclusive growth, including sustainable economic growth, digital transformation and climate action. Vietnam’s aspiration to become a high-income country by 2045 is aligned with ASEAN’s broader development agenda and serves as a model for the region.

The 4th ASEAN-UK Joint Cooperation Committee (ASEAN-UK JCC) meeting at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta, Indonesia in March 2025. (Source: Asean.org)

Vietnam’s commitment to inclusive growth and human capital development is also outstanding. From empowering young people and women, to investing in education and innovation, Vietnam is contributing to building a future-ready ASEAN. The UK is proud to be on that journey – not just as a partner, but also as a co-creator of new opportunities for people across the region.

Looking ahead, we believe that Vietnam will continue to play a vital role in ensuring that ASEAN remains strong, united and resilient in an increasingly complex world. The UK stands ready to work closely with Vietnam and ASEAN on shared priorities – from regional security and sustainable trade to innovation, connectivity and green growth.

Vietnam's participation in ASEAN and its current coordinating role in ASEAN-UK relations is a clear demonstration of Vietnam's long-term commitment to peace, prosperity and the future of the region.

Through initiatives such as the ASEAN Future Forum, the smooth and effective coordination of the ASEAN-UK Dialogue Partnership, and its practical contributions in addressing regional challenges, Vietnam is helping to shape a more resilient, cohesive and forward-looking ASEAN.

The UK looks forward to continuing to deepen its partnership with both Vietnam and ASEAN as it embarks on the next five years as an ASEAN Dialogue Partner.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/cau-noi-thuc-day-gan-ket-asean-vuong-quoc-anh-323315.html