Vietnamese FM meets with British counterpart on COP26 sidelines

Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son (left) meets with British Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affiars Elizabeth Truss, Glasgow, Scotland, November 1, 2021

Bui has been accompanying Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on a trip to Glasgow to attend the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26).

Expressing his support for the UK’s role as the host of COP26, Bui affirmed that Viet Nam continues its strong commitment to contribute to global efforts in response to climate change.

He hailed Truss for her important contributions to the signing and implementation of the UK-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement in her previous role as Secretary of State for International Trade.

Truss, for her part, pledged to step up bilateral cooperative ties in potential fields such as science-technology, renewable energy and green finance.

Both ministers underscored the importance of the issuance of a joint statement on the occasion of the 10th founding anniversary of the Viet Nam-UK strategic partnership.

They agreed to increase the exchange of delegations, especially high level ones, while working closely together to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Viet Nam – UK diplomatic ties in 2023.

Bui once again thanked the British Government for granting vaccines and medical equipment to help Viet Nam overcome difficulties during the COVID-19 outbreak.

The minister suggested the UK, as a strategic partner, continue to assist Viet Nam in accessing vaccines and provide the country with essential medical equipment and supplies and COVID-19 treatment drugs.

The two ministers appreciated the close coordination between the two sides at multilateral forums, especially at the UN Security Council during Viet Nam's 2020-2021 tenure as a non-permanent member.

Truss expressed her gratitude for Viet Nam's enthusiastic support, especially as Chair of ASEAN 2020, in helping the UK become a dialogue partner of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). She agreed to back the bloc’s centrality in the region.

Bui affirmed that Viet Nam is ready to support the UK to strengthen its substantive cooperation with ASEAN and to share experience with the UK regarding the negotiation to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

Exchanging views on international and regional issues of mutual concern, the two officials emphasized the importance of upholding international law and ensuring the freedom of navigation and overflight, security, and peace in the East Sea.

On the occasion, Son invited Truss to soon make an official visit to Viet Nam and she accepted the invitation with pleasure./. VNA