President Vo Van Thuong (centre) arrives in London, beginning a visit to attend the coronation of King Charles III at the invitation of the Royal Family of the UK. (Photo: VNA)London (VNA) - PresidentVo Van Thuong and his entourage arrived at Heathrow International Airport in Londonon May 4 afternoon (local time), beginning their visit to attend the coronation of King Charles III at the invitation of the RoyalFamily of the UK.
UK Ambassador to Vietnam Iain Frew said this is a verysignificant moment as the UK has not had a coronation in the past seven decades.Therefore, it is of great importance that President Thuong, along with otherleaders from around the world, comes to the UK to witness this meaningful event.
During his stay, the Vietnamese President is scheduled to meet KingCharles III and Queen Camilla, leaders of the British government,parliament, and several Cabinet ministers, thereby further tightening tiesbetween Vietnam and the UK Government and monarchy as well as contributing toenhancing political trust and relations between the two countries.
The Vietnamese State leader is also due to meet representativesof leading economic corporations and educational institutions, and friendship organisations that have made significant contributions to the development ofbilateral relations.
The UK is the third largest trade partner of Vietnam in Europe. The two sidesofficially signed a Free Trade Agreement in December 2020 on the principle ofinheriting the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) with necessary adjustmentsto ensure compliance with the framework of bilateral trade between Vietnam and theUK.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the UK madesignificant contributions to COVAX Facility with the vaccine developed jointlyby AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford. The UK donated millions of dosesof AstraZeneca vaccine to Vietnam through both bilateral channels and COVAXFacility./.
