Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang: Vietnam respects the vision of King Charles III

Thứ trưởng Ngoại giao Lê Thị Thu Hằng: Việt Nam trân trọng tầm nhìn của Vua Charles III

The event was held at the Hanoi Opera House. (Source: British Embassy in Vietnam)

Attending the event were British Ambassador to Vietnam Iain Frew, many representatives from embassies, international organizations, Vietnamese ministries, departments and agencies, and businesses of the two countries.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, British Ambassador to Vietnam Iain Frew congratulated the historic milestone in diplomatic relations between the UK and Vietnam, when the two countries officially upgraded their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during General Secretary To Lam's official visit two weeks ago. According to him, with this "decision to take a step further", the two countries not only affirm their affection and commitment to each other, but also jointly chart a future path based on trust, aspirations and common interests.

British Ambassador to Vietnam Iain Frew believes that the two countries "have and will continue to go far, together". (Source: British Embassy in Vietnam)

Affirming that in a world full of unpredictable changes and tensions, both countries recognize that success only comes through cooperation, Ambassador Iain Frew called on Vietnam and the UK to jointly promote peace and security, protect free and fair international trade, strengthen the international order based on rules, as well as multilateral institutions.

"The two countries have achieved many remarkable achievements, from cooperation in green and comprehensive energy transition, to strengthening educational relations, and bringing bilateral trade to new heights. Within the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, we continue to promote those achievements, towards security, prosperity and sustainable development for both," the diplomat emphasized.

Finally, repeating his favorite saying "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together", the British Ambassador believes that the two countries "have and will continue to go far, together".

At the event, Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang pointed out that for centuries, the UK has been a country that has had a profound influence on the development of human civilization. From the scientist Isaac Newton, who laid the foundation for modern science, James Watt, who initiated the Industrial Revolution, to the giants of literature and art such as William Shakespeare, Charles Dicken, the bands The Beatles, Queen, Spice Girls..., the UK has contributed to shaping the lasting values of intelligence and creativity. Today, the foggy country continues to affirm its position as one of the world's leading centers of finance, science - technology, culture, education and innovation.

Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang shared that over more than half a century, Vietnam and the UK have built a strong, trustworthy and effective relationship. (Source: British Embassy in Vietnam)

According to the Deputy Minister, now, under the reign of King Charles III, noble values of humanity and the spirit of serving the community are being continued and strongly promoted, clearly demonstrated through commitments to environmental protection, biodiversity, climate change adaptation and green, sustainable development.

"Vietnam respects the King's vision and believes that it is also the common foundation for our two countries to continue promoting cooperation for global peace and prosperity," Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang emphasized.

In particular, mentioning the official visit of General Secretary To Lam to the UK from October 28-30 and the two countries' upgrading of relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the Deputy Foreign Minister said that this was a mature political decision, a historic milestone, demonstrating high trust, friendship and a shared vision towards the future. This is also the result of a journey of more than half a century of close cooperation, and at the same time opens a new chapter of Vietnam-UK cooperation, walking side by side with faith in intelligence, creativity and humanity for more than half a century.

Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang and Ambassador Iain Frew congratulated the event. (Source: British Embassy in Vietnam)

On this occasion, Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang expressed her gratitude to the British government for its timely aid of 500,000 pounds to help Vietnam overcome the consequences of recent major storms, which is a vivid demonstration of the spirit of solidarity, sharing and deep attachment between the people of the two countries. At the same time, the Deputy Minister hoped that the two sides would cooperate closely in the coming time to build an Action Plan to implement the contents of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership framework, bringing bilateral cooperation to a new stage of development.

Vietnam and the UK have built a strong, trustworthy and effective relationship. The UK is currently Vietnam's third largest export market in Europe and Vietnam is the UK's second largest market in ASEAN. In the financial sector, the UK is an extremely important partner of the S-shaped country in developing an international financial center. Cooperation in education and human resource development between the two countries is also a bright spot. Many Vietnamese civil servants and experts have studied under the British government's Chevening scholarship, many Vietnamese intellectuals are working at leading research institutes, universities and technology enterprises in the UK, and British friends living and working in Vietnam are playing the role of ambassadors connecting the friendship between the two countries.

"The above cooperation results would not have been possible without the foundation of trust, mutual understanding and common values that the leaders and people of both sides have cultivated over the past half century," the Deputy Minister affirmed.

Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang and Ambassador Iain Frew congratulate King Charles III on his 77th birthday. (Photo: Thu Anh)

The event is also a tribute to Jane Austen, one of Britain's most beloved authors. 2025 marks the 250th anniversary of her birth.

Jane Austen was a pioneering novelist whose works remain beloved by readers to this day. Books such as Pride and Prejudice, Emma, and Sense and Sensibility have been frequently adapted for film and television. She is known for her subtle satire of 19th-century English society, as well as timeless themes of family, friendship, and the search for the perfect partner.