Prime Minister receives UK Foreign Secretary

Vietnam and the UK enjoy a strong economic relationship, said Prime Minister Phuc at the meeting, and share a common commitment to advancing global peace, security, and prosperity. Mr Phuc said the two nation’s peoples also enjoy deep cultural, historic, and people-to-people bonds.

At the meeting the two leaders discussed the declaration of the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Hiroshima regarding the East Sea, ensuring maritime and aviation freedom and a peaceful resolution of the dispute in compliance with international law.

Mr Phuc requested the UK Government more forcefully raise its voice demanding China respect International Law and fully comply with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

For his part, Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond congratulated Mr Phuc on his recent appointment as Prime Minister. The Foreign Secretary said the UK is most interested in launching joint initiatives with Vietnam on the hot-button issues of combatting climate change, deforestation and preventing wildlife trafficking.