In a meeting held in Hà Nội on Wednesday, Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng reaffirmed Việt Nam’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with the United Kingdom. Hosting UK Ambassador Iain Frew, the Vietnamese Prime Minister expressed appreciation for the congratulatory note sent by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer after Hưng’s recent election. The meeting underscored the positive impact of Ambassador Frew and the British Embassy in advancing bilateral efforts, notably marked by Việt Nam–UK relations being elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during Party General Secretary Tô Lâm’s visit to the UK in October 2025.
Prime Minister Hưng pointed out the significant potential for collaboration between the two nations in areas such as trade, investment, finance, education, green energy, and defense. He emphasized the need for enhanced exchanges at all levels and proposed the creation of a detailed action plan to implement the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Hưng also set ambitious targets for increasing bilateral trade, aiming to reach US$10 billion by 2026 and $15 billion thereafter, and assured that Việt Nam welcomes foreign investment, including from British companies.
Focusing on financial cooperation, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of the Việt Nam International Financial Centre (VIFC) and sought continued UK support in developing legal frameworks and mobilizing resources for infrastructure projects. He also extended his gratitude towards the UK for aiding the integration of the Vietnamese community in Britain, urging continued support to enhance their contributions to the UK’s socio-economic landscape.
Ambassador Frew congratulated Việt Nam on its recent achievements and expressed enthusiasm for fostering deeper and more meaningful bilateral relations. He acknowledged Việt Nam’s leadership role as Chair of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) in 2026 and assured the UK’s readiness to collaborate on enhancing trade at both bilateral and international levels. Frew noted the optimistic outlook British investors have for Việt Nam’s growth, particularly in energy and green transition sectors, and emphasized the UK’s interest in being a long-term partner in the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).
Both leaders agreed on the importance of maintaining robust defense and security cooperation, advancing science and technology collaboration, and supporting educational initiatives, including making English more prevalent in Vietnamese schools. They also committed to working together on regional and international platforms to bolster ASEAN–UK relations, uphold open dialogue, and ensure maritime security, contributing to global peace and development.