In a significant diplomatic engagement, Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng welcomed the United Kingdom’s Ambassador to Việt Nam, Iain Frew, in Hà Nội. During the meeting, the Prime Minister emphasized Việt Nam’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with the UK. He also expressed gratitude to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for his congratulatory message on his recent election. Lê Minh Hưng acknowledged the ambassador’s efforts and the British Embassy’s role in enhancing bilateral relations, particularly 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.
The Prime Minister outlined several areas ripe for further cooperation between the two nations, including trade, investment, education, renewable energy, and security. He proposed stepping up delegation exchanges and high-level visits, as well as formulating an action plan to implement their strategic partnership. Aiming to boost bilateral trade, he suggested mutual efforts to increase trade turnover to $10 billion by 2026 and $15 billion subsequently. Lê Minh Hưng assured that the Vietnamese Government is committed to providing favorable conditions for British enterprises to invest and thrive in Việt Nam.
Highlighting financial collaboration, PM Hưng proposed ongoing UK support for the development of the Việt Nam International Financial Centre (VIFC). This includes enhancing legal frameworks, financial instruments, and mobilizing strategic project resources. He also urged the UK to continue supporting the integration of the Vietnamese community in the UK, recognizing their contributions to socio-economic development and bilateral ties.
Ambassador Frew congratulated Việt Nam on its socio-economic progress and expressed a strong desire for deeper, effective bilateral cooperation. He praised Việt Nam’s leadership role as the 2026 Chair of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and confirmed the UK’s readiness to bolster bilateral and international trade. Frew highlighted British investors’ positive outlook on Việt Nam’s growth, particularly in energy and green transition, and reiterated the UK’s commitment as a long-term partner in the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).
Frew agreed with PM Hưng’s initiatives, promising to maintain close coordination in defense and security, and to advance cooperation in technology, innovation, and education. This includes efforts to make English a second language in Vietnamese schools and support for green finance development and the VIFC. Both sides pledged to strengthen multilateral coordination, enhance ASEAN–UK relations, and uphold commitments to ensure regional peace, security, and development.