(VOVworld) - Deputy Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son and British Foreign Commonwealth Office Minister of State Hugo Swire have chaired the 4th strategic dialogue between Vietnam and the UK in Hanoi. The Dialogue on Friday covered issues relating to international economic integration, security, defense, and global developments.
On economic integration, both sides reiterated their commitment to an early conclusion of a free trade agreement between Vietnam and the EU, opening up new opportunities for businesses in both countries.
In recognition of the remarkable progress Vietnam has made towards the Millennium Development Goals, it was noted that the UK’s bilateral aid programme will come to an end by March 2016, though there was welcome for the UK’s continuing support via the EU, as well as through multilateral organisations such as the World Bank and the United Nations.
The UK and Vietnam confirmed their commitment to co-operation to deliver the Vietnamese Government’s education reform agenda. They looked forward to further co-operation in areas including English language teaching, assessment and curriculum development. They welcomed the opening of the Vietnam-UK Research Institute with a view to promoting international-standard post graduate research.
The Dialogue takes place on Friday, February 27th, 2015 in Hanoi.
Photo: British Embassy in Hanoi
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Both sides agreed to continue co-operation in adapting to climate change, and also to work together in the run-up to the 21st United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris.
The two sides highlighted civil nuclear energy as a core area for co-operation, building on progress already made, and committed to continuing close dialogue on this issue.
Vietnam welcomed the contribution of the UK as the lead donor on anti-corruption and wished to continue cooperation on this issue.
Looking at the global and regional situation, both sides shared the view that the maintenance of peace, stability, safety, and freedom of navigation in the region is in the common interest of the international community. They underlined their shared position that territorial disputes in the region should be resolved peacefully, in line with international law.
The Ministers noted with appreciation the deepening defense dialogue that aimed to further bilateral initiatives including defense industry and maritime/naval co-operation.
Both sides welcomed the existing strong relationship on organized crime across all shared priority areas, and committed to continue effective operational co-operation, capacity-building and information sharing on criminality such as modern slavery, cyber crime, money laundering, child exploitation, illegal immigration and organized immigration crime threats such as human trafficking and people smuggling.
The UK and Vietnam discussed the promotion and protection of human rights in a frank and constructive manner.
They welcomed the constructive discussions, and noted that they would agree a joint Action Plan for 2015 soon. On this occasion, the two sides also signed a Memorandum of Understanding regarding the Employment of Members of the Family of Members of Diplomatic Missions, Consular Posts and Permanent Missions.