Bridge-builder enhances ASEAN-UK engagement
WVR - Vietnam’s engagement within ASEAN and its current role as ASEAN-UK coordinator has demonstrated a clear and enduring commitment to the region’s peace, prosperity, and future.
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| British Chargé d'affaires to Vietnam Marcus Winsley. (Photo: British Embassy in Vietnam) |
Steady guidance and ability to forge consensus
In a volatile geopolitical environment, ASEAN’s sense of its future direction and its concept of ASEAN centrality have become more and more important to its members and its partners.
Vietnam has proactively contributed to enhancing ASEAN’s resilience from within as well as bolstering ASEAN’s external cooperation with partners. As the current country coordinator for the UK’s Dialogue Partnership with ASEAN, Vietnam has effectively supported the UK’s long-term, strategic and practical commitment with ASEAN.
At the 58th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting, the UK’s Foreign Secretary David Lammy thanked Vietnam for this invaluable support and reiterated that the ASEAN-UK partnership will not only drive growth but also enable us to tackle global issues together.
The UK was delighted to be invited to become ASEAN’s latest ASEAN Dialogue Partner (DP) in 2021 after an extended period when the Association had decided not to admit any new DP.
The UK believes that Vietnam’s active role in ASEAN, as a member state, as a dialogue partner country coordinator, and as a driving force behind many initiatives such as the ASEAN Future Forum, has been crucial to preserving the concept of ASEAN centrality, which in turn is essential to the maintenance of peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.
From an immediate UK perspective, Vietnam’s role as coordinator of the ASEAN - UK Dialogue Partnership (2022-2025) has been an essential channel to provide ASEAN’s guidance and feedback as we have implemented the ASEAN - UK Plan of Action (2022-2026).
This Action Plan sets the roadmap for deepening cooperation in key areas of mutual benefit, including trade and investment, climate change and green growth, education, health security, and science and technology.
Over 95 percent of the listed action lines have been or are in progress towards being implemented. This shows the depth of mutual commitment and that the areas identified for co-operation are the right ones.
Several practical initiatives have been implemented under this framework, including the ASEAN-UK Women, Peace and Security (WPS) and Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) programmes; the ASEAN-UK Economic Integration Programme; the ASEAN-UK Health Security Partnership; the ASEAN-UK Green Transition Fund; the UK-ASEAN programmes to Support the Advancement of Girls’ Education and to offer scholarships to Women in STEM; the Chevening ASEAN Scholarships…
These initiatives reflect the UK’s shared priorities with ASEAN and highlight the strength of our partnership – a partnership that has been significantly strengthened thanks to Viet Nam’s steady guidance, diplomatic skill, and ability to forge consensus.
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| The ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference with the UK, held within the framework of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM-58) on July 11 in Malaysia. (Photo: Quang Hoa) |
An important example for the region
Vietnam’s position as a regional economic hub and diplomatic bridge-builder further enhances its ability to drive ASEAN’s engagement with external partners. The UK greatly values Vietnam’s role and looks forward to continuing this close coordination to ensure that ASEAN - UK cooperation continues to deliver tangible benefits.
As UK Foreign Secretary Lammy made it clear at the 58th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting, ASEAN and the Indo-Pacific are vital to UK growth and security. Looking at Vietnam’s growing capabilities and global and regional profile, the UK supports Vietnam’s proactive approach to working with other ASEAN member states, promoting ASEAN’s voice, supporting ASEAN to play a driving role in the changing regional and global environment, and enhancing ASEAN connectivity.
Vietnam has already demonstrated its ability to work and lead on complex and sensitive issues, from maritime security and regional connectivity to economic integration and sustainable development.
On issues of regional peace and stability, Vietnam has shown a consistent stance. Whether contributing to discussions on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC), or supporting ASEAN joint efforts to address the situation in Myanmar both at the ASEAN level and at the UN, Vietnam has helped to strengthen the group’s principled and pragmatic approaches.
We also see Vietnam playing a central role in advancing ASEAN’s internal resilience – including on sustainable economic growth, digital transformation, and climate action. Vietnam’s ambition to become a high-income country by 2045 aligns with ASEAN’s broader development agenda and sets an important example for the region.
Vietnam’s commitment to inclusive growth and human capital development also stands out. From empowering youth and women to investing in education and innovation, Vietnam is helping to build a future-ready ASEAN. The UK is proud to be part of that journey – not just as a partner but as a co-creator of new opportunities for the people of the region.
Looking ahead, we believe Vietnam will continue to play a crucial role in ensuring that ASEAN remains strong, united, and relevant in an increasingly complex world. The UK stands ready to work closely with Vietnam and ASEAN on shared priorities – from regional security and sustainable trade to innovation, connectivity, and green development.
Vietnam’s engagement within ASEAN and in its current role as ASEAN–UK coordinator has demonstrated a clear and enduring commitment to the region’s peace, prosperity, and future. Through initiatives like the ASEAN Future Forum, smooth and effective coordination of the ASEAN–UK Dialogue Partnership, and contributions to addressing critical regional challenges, Vietnam contributes to shaping a more resilient, connected and forward-looking ASEAN.
The UK looks forward to deepening our cooperation with both Vietnam and ASEAN as we look forward to the next five years as an ASEAN Dialogue Partner.
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| The 4th Meeting of the ASEAN - UK Joint Cooperation Committee (ASEAN–UK JCC), held at the ASEAN Headquarters in Jakarta, Indonesia, in March 2025. (Source: asean.org) |
