Taking Vietnam-UK relations to new heights

At the invitation of Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Keir Starmer, General Secretary To Lam and his wife, along with a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation, paid an official visit to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from October 28 to 30, 2025.

Taking place precisely as the two countries celebrate the 15th anniversary of the establishment of their Strategic Partnership (2010-2025), General Secretary To Lam's visit to the UK is a significant event for both nations, opening up opportunities for Vietnam and the UK to review their past cooperation and agree on directions for elevating their relationship in the new phase. The visit also firmly affirms Vietnam's independent, self-reliant, diversified, and multilateral foreign policy, aimed at peace , cooperation, and sustainable development.

Since Vietnam and the UK officially established diplomatic relations in 1973, the relationship between the two countries on two continents has marked many milestones over more than half a century of companionship and joint development. Vietnam and the UK established a Strategic Partnership in September 2010, opening a new chapter in the history of bilateral relations. The Vietnamese Party and State always attach great importance to and pay special attention to strengthening Vietnam-UK relations, meeting the expectations of the people of both countries, for peace, cooperation, and development in the region and the world. Meanwhile, the UK considers Vietnam one of its most important partners in the Asia- Pacific region.

Over the past 50 years, the excellent relationship between Vietnam and the UK has consistently demonstrated strong and enduring vitality through achievements in political , diplomatic, economic, and cultural cooperation. Political trust has been strengthened. Both sides maintain exchanges of delegations and contacts at all levels, especially at the high level, and effectively implement bilateral cooperation mechanisms.

Over the past 50 years, the excellent relationship between Vietnam and the UK has consistently demonstrated strong and enduring vitality through achievements in political, diplomatic, economic, and cultural cooperation. Political trust has been strengthened. Both sides maintain exchanges of delegations and contacts at all levels, especially at the high level, and effectively implement bilateral cooperation mechanisms.

The two countries also strengthened coordination on regional and international issues of common concern at multilateral forums such as the United Nations and the ASEAN-UK framework. Vietnam actively supported the UK in the negotiation process for joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (CPTPP).

Trade and investment cooperation is thriving. The two sides have signed the Vietnam-UK Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA), creating opportunities for cooperation between the two countries to "take off". The UK is Vietnam's third largest trading partner in Europe, while Vietnam is the UK's largest trading partner in Southeast Asia. Bilateral trade turnover in 2024 is projected to reach US$8.4 billion, an 18% increase compared to 2023. In the first six months of 2025 alone, bilateral trade turnover is expected to reach US$4.3 billion, an increase of nearly 10% compared to the same period in 2024. The UK currently has 587 investment projects in Vietnam, with a total registered capital of US$4.46 billion, ranking 15th among countries and territories with investment capital in Vietnam.

Cooperation in education and training is a prominent highlight in bilateral relations. The UK, with its world-renowned education system, acts as a magnet attracting students from Vietnam and other countries. Currently, there are approximately 12,000 Vietnamese students studying in the UK. In science and technology, the two sides are implementing around 50 joint research projects and several other collaborative activities. In the field of environment and climate change response, the UK is the coordinator, actively supporting Vietnam in implementing the Joint Economic Partnership Agreement on the Just Energy Transition (JETP) between Vietnam and the International Partnership Group.

Vietnam deeply appreciates the valuable support and assistance that the British Government and people have given to Vietnam in its national construction and development. The UK is one of Vietnam's leading donors through the Prosperity Fund, the Newton Fund, and the Sustainable Asia Action Programme. Regarding local cooperation, the two countries have seven pairs of local-level relationships; friendship organizations actively promote cultural, educational, and youth exchanges to enhance mutual understanding and strengthen friendship between the people of the two countries. The Vietnamese community in the UK numbers nearly 100,000 people, enjoying stable lives, integrating well, adhering to local laws, and consistently contributing to the relationship between the two countries.

Building upon a tradition of good, sincere, practical, and effective cooperation spanning over 50 years, Vietnam and the UK are taking another step forward on the journey to elevate bilateral relations to new heights. The official visit of General Secretary To Lam and his wife, along with the high-level Vietnamese delegation, to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland marks another important milestone and contributes to further deepening Vietnam-UK relations, creating a foundation for both countries to realize their development aspirations in the new era.

PEOPLE

Source: https://nhandan.vn/dua-quan-he-viet-nam-anh-vuon-len-tam-cao-moi-post918553.html