An orchestra performs at the event. VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI – The Việt Nam Union of Friendship Organisations and the Việt Nam-UK Friendship Association, in collaboration with the UK Embassy in Hà Nội, held a ceremony on September 11 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Việt Nam-UK diplomatic ties (September 11).

Speaking at the event, Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyễn Minh Vũ said since the official establishment of diplomatic relations in 1973, Việt Nam and the UK had been developing a strong, effective and dynamic partnership across all areas.

The establishment of the bilateral strategic partnership in 2010 and the Joint Declaration on the Việt Nam-UK strategic partnership in 2020 demonstrated the strong commitment and vision of both governments. The UK is now one of Việt Nam's most important strategic partners, and the two countries have maintained regular high-level dialogues and exchanges.

Last year, two-way trade hit US$6.9 billion, making the UK the third largest European trade partner and the ninth biggest importer of Việt Nam globally.

In 2020, Việt Nam and the UK signed the bilateral free trade agreement. The UK's accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) this year also contributed to increasing the role of the trade alliance, bringing the GDP of the bloc to $14 trillion and creating opportunities for both countries to strive towards the $10 billion target, Vũ said.

He added education was another crucial pillar in the Việt Nam-UK strategic partnership, with 12,000 Vietnamese students in the European country. The UK, renowned for its long-standing and world-class education system, has set Việt Nam as one of its priority countries in its international education strategy. This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the British Council's operations in Việt Nam and the 30th anniversary of the Chevening Scholarships offered by the UK Government in Việt Nam.

Both countries are also working together to address global challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as in energy transition and climate change adaptation.

On the basis of the achievements obtained over the past five decades, he believes that bilateral relationship will keep growing and expanding across all the fields.

UK Ambassador to Việt Nam Iain Frew said Việt Nam had undergone an impressive journey of economic development and global integration, in which the UK is proud to have played a significant role.

Speaking highly of the potential of joint work in health care, research, renewable energy, investment and trade, he committed to strengthening the enduring bond between the two countries which, he said, would continue growing stronger over the time. VNS