June 23, 2021
2 mins read

Raab’s visit to Vietnam aims to boost ASEAN ties

Speaking in Vietnam, Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab, said: “The UK greatly values our friendship with Vietnam. Since my last visit, we have made progress on trade and economic ties.”…reports Asian Lite News.

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab on Tuesday met his Vietnamese counterpart Bui Thanh Son to discuss the implementation of the UK-Vietnam Strategic Partnership Agreement.

They have also discussed subjects such as the global health security, climate change and Myanmar, the government said.

It said the foreign secretary’s visit will build momentum for the UK’s bid to join the regional trade block – the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

The UK Government is today setting out its approach to membership, alongside the release of the UK‘s strategic case for seeking CPTPP accession to include scoping and economic assessments.

During the visit, the UK also looked to progress its ambition for ‘ASEAN Dialogue Partnership’ status, which would allow the UK to further strengthen relations with ASEAN countries, based on shared interests and mutual benefits.

Speaking in Vietnam, Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab, said: “The UK greatly values our friendship with Vietnam. Since my last visit, we have made progress on trade and economic ties.”

“We welcome Vietnam’s support for UK’s accession to the CPTPP trading block, and I am very grateful for its ASEAN chairmanship last year – laying the foundations towards the UK becoming an ASEAN dialogue partner,” he added.

Raab has also met President Nguyen Xuan Phuc at the Presidential Palace. They have discussed key issues with the climate change and Vietnam’s ambition for energy transition.

Raab’s meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh covered developments within the Strategic Partnership Agreement, COP26, Covid-19 recovery and maritime security. The Strategic Partnership framework sets out cooperation between the two countries for the next ten years, the the government said.

The Foreign Secretary has also met the Minister of Public Security, To Lam, with topics of discussion including cooperation to tackle illegal migration, human trafficking and transnational crime.

While in Hanoi, the Foreign Secretary delivered opening remarks at the 5th ASEM (Asia-Europe Meeting) on the UK’s ambitions for its ’Indo-Pacific tilt‘ to an audience of more than fifty countries.

Several regional foreign ministers, including Vietnam’s Foreign Minister Son, Singapore’s Foreign Minister Balakrishnan, Cambodia’s Sokhonn, Laos‘ Kommasith, Korea‘Chung, as well as the European Union’s High Representative Borrell, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov and Portugal’s Vice Foreign Minister, Zacarias, were present.

Raab also announced UK funding to support a network of women peacebuilders and mediators across the region through the ASEAN Women’s Peace Registry.

The financial contribution will also help ASEAN develop its Regional Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security and support ASEAN member states, including Vietnam, to develop and implement their own National Action Plans.

The visit comes ahead of the UK’s Carrier Strike Group led by the HMS Queen Elizabeth, which will make its maiden visit to the region, arriving in Singapore later this year.

ALSO READ-India welcomes ASEAN initiative on Myanmar

READ MORE-Myanmar buckles to ASEAN

Previous Story

UK aircraft carrier joins fight against Daesh

Next Story

Jaishankar calls for permanent ceasefire in Afghanistan

Latest from -Top News

India, UAE Strengthen Green Partnership

At the IUCN 2025 in Abu Dhabi, Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh urged stronger India‑UAE climate and biodiversity cooperation….reports Asian Lite News The government said India and the UAE have significant potential to

India Commits to Afghan Growth

As a special gesture, India gifted 20 ambulances to the Afghan people with a symbolic handover being done by the EAM…reports Asian Lite News India on Friday announced plans to expand its

Islamabad, Rawalpindi Shut Down Over TLP Rally

Authorities have placed containers at Faizabad Interchange to block entry into Islamabad from Rawalpindi….reports Asian Lite News In Pakistan’s capital Islamabad and neighbouring Rawalpindi, roads and entry points were sealed, and communication

NY Attorney General indicted in mortgage fraud

The indictment comes just weeks after former FBI Director James Comey was charged in a separate, highly controversial case…reports Asian Lite News New York Attorney General Letitia James has been charged in

US targets Chinese flights over Russia

US carriers have long criticised the allowance of Chinese flights over Russia, arguing that the shorter routes reduce travel time and fuel consumption, providing an unfair advantage….reports Asian Lite News The Trump
Go toTop

Don't Miss

62nd Tory MP calls it quits

Four former Conservatives who now sit as independents are also

Govt advances growth mission overseas 

Doughty will travel to Madrid and Lisbon to meet with