(VOVworld)- Vietnam is a country with huge potential and is an important friend of the UK in Southeast Asia, said British Foreign Secretary William Hague ahead of a visit to Southeast Asia which will begin in Vietnam. Hague said he was delighted to be the first British Foreign Secretary to visit Vietnam in the past 17 years.

The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs W. Hague

He stressed that the Joint Statement on Strategic Partnership the two countries signed in 2010 reflects the UK’s commitment to coordinate with Vietnam both bilaterally and in regional and global issues as Vietnam plays an increasingly important role in the international arena. He added that he expects more measures for closer cooperation between Vietnam and the United Kingdom to be discussed during his upcoming visit to Vietnam.

Vietnam-UK trade is increasingly strong. Britain’s exports to Vietnam increased 18% last year while its imports from Vietnam climbed 37%. The UK’s total investment in Vietnam was estimated to be 2.5 billion USD last year and Vietnam is currently considered one of the 12 highest-potential emerging Asian markets attracting British businesses.