Mr. Warwick Morris, Chairman of the Vietnam-UK Network (VUKN). (Photo: VNA)Even though there are differences between the two systems, thetwo sides will find plenty of common ground, which hopefully will lead tocloser cooperation and dialogue in bilateral parliamentary relations, Mr. Morris,who is also former British Ambassador to Vietnam, told Vietnam News Agency ahead of Mr Hue’s official visit to the UK from June 28 – 30.
Mr. Morris spoke highly of the Vietnam – UK relations, sayingthe 50th anniversary of their diplomatic ties next year is a fine milestone.
The bilateral relationship has broadened and deepenedenormously during the two decades since 2003 when Vietnam and the UK celebratedthe 30th anniversary and he served as the British Ambassador to theSoutheast Asian country, he recalled.
The recent renewal after an initial 10 years of the twocountries’ Strategic Partnership was a clear indication of a healthy andvibrant official relationship, as was the signing of a bilateral Free TradeAgreement in late 2020, which is already leading to a welcome increase in tradein both directions, he said.
The VUKN Chairman said education links are getting stronger,while cooperation is growing in several important sectors, notably in health care,renewable energy, environment, agriculture and technology, among others. Healso said he believes British tourists will soon be flooding back to Vietnam followingthe welcome lifting of COVID-19 restrictions.
As for links between parliamentarians, Mr. Morris said thesewere starting to be developed when COVID-19 intervened. However, he said bothsides are keen to take matters forward and have more exchanges, recalling avery positive initial virtual meeting between several parliamentarians fromboth countries in October 2020. The lead on the UK side was the All-PartyParliamentary Group (APPG) for Vietnam, currently chaired by Mr. Wayne David.
He went on to welcome Mr Hue’s upcoming visit, saying theresumption of such high-level people-to-people exchanges is vital to thestrengthening of relations generally.
According to Mr. Morris, the VUKN, as a not-for-profit organisationrun by volunteers, continues its efforts to strengthen bilateral links across awide range of sectors. In doing so, it supports and adds value to theofficial relationship, including introducing more British people to Vietnam,highlighting opportunities for trade and investment, and encouraging links insectors such as education, energy, the environment, and welfare.
During the COVID-19 lockdowns in the UK, the VUKN held a seriesof very well attended virtual events for its followers, including participationby ministers, sector experts, and the two countries' ambassadors. In May, theVUKN Chairman chaired a panel discussion on business opportunities held at thetime of Joint Economic and Trade Cooperation Talks (JETCO), in which ministersand several VUKN followers took part.
The VUKN is an umbrella group bringing together organisationsand individuals with shared interests in Vietnam to promote Vietnam-UKcooperation across the broad spectrum of the bilateral relationship, includingtrade, education, trade unions, young professional and cultural activities, toenhance understanding and friendship between citizens and institutions.
The network was inaugurated in January 2013 during the historic visit of GeneralSecretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Nguyen Phu Trong to the UK./.
VNA
