Taking Vietnam-UK relations to new heights

Taking place on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the Strategic Partnership between the two countries (2010-2025), General Secretary To Lam's visit to the UK is an important event for the two countries, opening up opportunities for Vietnam and the UK to review the past cooperation journey and agree on orientations to elevate the relationship in the new period. The visit also firmly affirms Vietnam's foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, diversification and multilateralization, for peace , cooperation and sustainable development.

Since Vietnam and the UK officially established diplomatic relations in 1973, the relationship between the two countries on two continents has marked many milestones on the journey of more than half a century of companionship and development. Vietnam and the UK established a Strategic Partnership in September 2010, opening a new chapter in the history of bilateral relations. The Party and State of Vietnam always attach importance to and pay special attention to strengthening the Vietnam-UK relationship, meeting the expectations of the people of the two countries, for peace, cooperation and development in the region and the world. Meanwhile, the UK considers Vietnam one of the most important partners in the Asia -Pacific region.

Over the past 50 years, the good relationship between Vietnam and the UK has always shown strong and lasting vitality through achievements in political , diplomatic, economic, cultural cooperation, etc. Political trust has been enhanced. The two sides have maintained delegation exchanges and contacts at all levels, especially at high levels, and effectively implemented bilateral cooperation mechanisms.

Over the past 50 years, the good relationship between Vietnam and the UK has always shown strong and lasting vitality through achievements in political, diplomatic, economic, cultural cooperation, etc. Political trust has been enhanced. The two sides have maintained delegation exchanges and contacts at all levels, especially at high levels, and effectively implemented bilateral cooperation mechanisms.

The two countries also stepped up coordination on regional and international issues of mutual concern at multilateral forums such as the United Nations and the ASEAN-UK framework. Vietnam actively supported the UK in the negotiation process to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

Trade and investment cooperation is vibrant. The two sides signed the Vietnam-UK Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA), creating opportunities for cooperation between the two countries to "take off". The UK is Vietnam's third largest trading partner in Europe, while Vietnam is the UK's largest trading partner in Southeast Asia. Bilateral trade turnover in 2024 will reach 8.4 billion USD, up 18% compared to 2023. In the first six months of 2025 alone, bilateral trade turnover will reach 4.3 billion USD, up nearly 10% compared to the same period in 2024. The UK currently has 587 investment projects in Vietnam, with a total registered capital of 4.46 billion USD, ranking 15th among countries and territories investing in Vietnam.

Education and training cooperation is a highlight in bilateral relations. The “Land of fog” with its world-famous education system is a “magnet” attracting students from Vietnam and other countries to study. There are currently about 12,000 Vietnamese students studying in the UK. In terms of science and technology, the two sides have implemented about 50 joint research projects and a number of cooperation activities. In the field of environment and climate change response, the UK is the coordinator, actively supporting Vietnam in implementing the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) between Vietnam and the International Partnership Group.

Vietnam always appreciates the valuable support and assistance that the British Government and people have given to Vietnam in the process of national construction and development. The UK is one of the leading donors to Vietnam through the Prosperity Fund, the Newton Fund, the Action Program for a Sustainable Asia, etc. Regarding local cooperation, the two countries have seven pairs of local-level relations; friendship organizations always actively promote cultural, educational, and youth exchanges and activities to enhance mutual understanding and strengthen friendship between the two peoples. The Vietnamese community in the UK has nearly 100,000 people, has a stable life, integrates well, complies with local laws and persistently contributes to the relationship between the two countries.

With the tradition of good, sincere, practical and effective cooperation over the past 50 years, Vietnam and the UK are taking firm steps on the journey to bring bilateral relations to new heights. The official visit to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland by General Secretary To Lam and his wife along with the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation marked another important milestone and contributed to further deepening the Vietnam-UK relationship, creating a foundation for the two countries to realize their development aspirations in the new period.

PEOPLE

Source: https://nhandan.vn/dua-quan-he-viet-nam-anh-vuon-len-tam-cao-moi-post918553.html