Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng underscored the significance of Việt Nam’s relationship with the United Kingdom during a meeting with UK Ambassador Iain Frew in Hà Nội on Wednesday. Expressing gratitude to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for his congratulatory note following Hưng’s election, the Vietnamese leader praised the efforts of Frew and the British Embassy in enhancing bilateral ties. A notable advancement was the elevation of Việt Nam–UK relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which was formalized during Party General Secretary Tô Lâm’s visit to the UK in October 2025.
Hưng highlighted the potential for expanded cooperation between the two countries, particularly in sectors such as trade, investment, finance, science and technology, education, green transition, renewable energy, and defense and security. He proposed intensified exchanges and high-level visits to foster collaboration, alongside developing an action plan to implement the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Moreover, Hưng expressed a desire to increase bilateral trade turnover to $10 billion by 2026, with a long-term goal of $15 billion, emphasizing the importance of open market access and investment conditions for British enterprises in Việt Nam.
The Prime Minister also emphasized the strategic importance of collaboration in establishing the Việt Nam International Financial Centre (VIFC), suggesting that the UK assist by supporting institutional improvements, creating legal frameworks, and mobilizing resources for major infrastructure projects. He also called for continued support from the UK in facilitating the integration of the Vietnamese community within the UK, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to both countries’ socio-economic development.
In response, Ambassador Frew congratulated Việt Nam on its recent socio-economic accomplishments and expressed a commitment to fostering deeper bilateral ties. He acknowledged Việt Nam’s pivotal role as Chair of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) in 2026, with the UK eager to collaborate in promoting both bilateral and international trade. Frew noted the positive outlook of British investors regarding Việt Nam’s growth, particularly in sectors like energy, finance, and green transition, and expressed a wish for the UK to be a lasting partner in the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).
Agreeing with Hưng’s proposals, Frew pledged to maintain effective defense and security cooperation and to enhance collaboration in science, technology, and innovation. He emphasized the importance of connecting expert networks, supporting high-tech human resource training, and advancing educational cooperation, notably through promoting English as a second language in Vietnamese schools. Both leaders also agreed on the need for continued coordination at multilateral forums, strengthening ASEAN–UK relations, and ensuring maritime freedom, thereby contributing to regional and global peace, stability, and development.