UK Foreign Secretary William Hague has reaffirmed Vietnam as a key friend of the UK in South East Asia.
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UK Foreign Secretary William Hague has reaffirmed Vietnam as a key friend of the UK in South East Asia.
Before his visit to Vietnam starting on April 24, Hague said he was delighted to be visiting Vietnam as the first British Foreign Secretary to do so in 17 years.
The Strategic Partnership which we signed in 2010 demonstrated our commitment to working with Vietnam both bilaterally and in the wider regional and international context, as Vietnam plays an increasingly important role on the global stage, he said, adding that he will have the chance to explore with his hosts further ways for both nations to work even more closely together.
The Foreign Secretary said the British Government recognised from the outset that the world’s economic and political centre of gravity is shifting to the countries of the South and the East, and British engagement with the emerging powers of Southeast Asia reflects this.
Hague’s visit is aimed at making the UK become a leading partner in improving prosperity, trade and security throughout Southeast Asia.
Trade relations between Vietnam and the UK have enjoyed development with UK exports to Vietnam increasing by 18 percent and imports by 37 percent against 2010. The European country also invested US$2.5 billion in Vietnam in 2011.
(Source: VOV)
