In a significant diplomatic engagement, Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng welcomed the United Kingdom’s Ambassador to Việt Nam, Iain Frew, in Hà Nội on Wednesday. The meeting underscored Việt Nam’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with the UK. During the discussion, PM Hưng expressed gratitude to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for his congratulatory message following his election. He praised Ambassador Frew and the British Embassy for their efforts in advancing bilateral relations, notably the elevation of Việt Nam–UK ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during Party General Secretary Tô Lâm’s visit to the UK in October 2025.
PM Hưng highlighted the untapped potential for cooperation between the two nations in areas such as trade, finance, science and technology, and renewable energy. He proposed increased delegation exchanges and high-level visits to formulate an action plan to implement the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The Prime Minister set ambitious goals for bilateral trade, aiming to reach US$10 billion by 2026 and eventually $15 billion by facilitating market access. He assured that Việt Nam would continue to provide favorable conditions for foreign investments, including those from British enterprises.
Emphasizing the importance of collaboration in establishing the Việt Nam International Financial Centre (VIFC), PM Hưng invited the UK to assist in enhancing legal and institutional frameworks, and in mobilizing resources for landmark infrastructure projects. He also called on the UK to support the integration of the Vietnamese community within British society, enabling them to further contribute to both nations’ development and bilateral relations.
Ambassador Frew acknowledged Việt Nam’s recent socio-economic progress and expressed his commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation across various sectors. He particularly commended Việt Nam’s leadership as Chair of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) in 2026, underscoring the UK’s readiness to enhance trade relations. Frew noted British investors’ positive outlook on Việt Nam’s growth, especially in energy and finance, and reiterated the UK’s ambition to be a lasting partner in the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).
Both leaders concurred on the need for sustained collaboration in defense and security, as well as in science, technology, and education. They discussed fostering innovation and expertise exchange, supporting high-tech human resources training, and advancing English language education in Vietnamese schools. On international matters, they agreed to bolster cooperation within multilateral frameworks, advance ASEAN–UK relations, and ensure maritime freedom and security, contributing to regional and global peace and stability.