Joint Statement on Upgrading Vietnam-UK Relations to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

During the official visit to the UK, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and General Secretary To Lam held talks. The two sides issued a Joint Statement on upgrading the Vietnam-UK relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

We respectfully introduce the content of the Joint Statement:

1. Over the past five decades since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1973 and after 15 years of implementing the Strategic Partnership framework established in 2010, Vietnam and the UK have built a strong and lasting partnership, based on mutual respect and a shared vision of a secure, prosperous and sustainable future.

2. On the occasion of the official visit of Mr. To Lam, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam to the United Kingdom from October 28 to 30, 2025 at the invitation of Mr. Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, the two leaders agreed to upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, thereby enhancing cooperation on six main pillars.

I. Strengthening political , diplomatic, defense and security cooperation

3. The two sides pledged to strengthen political trust through maintaining high-level delegation exchanges and contacts through all channels between the Communist Party of Vietnam, the Government, the National Assembly and localities of Vietnam with the UK authorities; improving the effectiveness of existing bilateral cooperation mechanisms such as the Deputy Foreign Ministerial-level Strategic Dialogue and the Maritime Dialogue, as well as expanding or building new cooperation mechanisms to further deepen specialized cooperation.

General Secretary To Lam and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Photo: VNA

4. The two sides agreed to increase delegation exchanges and cooperation between agencies and specialized committees of the two countries' National Assemblies, friendship groups of parliamentarians, female parliamentarians, and young parliamentarians; increase sharing of experience in legislative supervision and the work of the National Assembly; promote supervision and coordination in supervising the implementation of bilateral cooperation agreements and arrangements signed between the two countries; increase consultation, sharing of views and coordination at multilateral parliamentary forums in which both sides participate.

5. In line with the vision of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, Vietnam and the UK have agreed to increase diplomatic staffing at their respective representative offices to promote and expand areas of cooperation, in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations. Both sides commit to promptly responding to requests for diplomatic approval for new and existing positions in accordance with the laws of both sides. At the same time, both sides also agreed to work towards the renovation of the British Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City in accordance with Vietnamese law.

6. Both sides reaffirmed the importance of the multilateral system with the United Nations at its core, and agreed to cooperate closely at multilateral forums and international organizations, including inter-parliamentary forums. Both sides committed to playing a bridging role between the UK, ASEAN and its member states; promoting links between the UK and the Mekong sub-region; and supporting the building of a resilient, innovative, dynamic and people-centred ASEAN Community that plays a pivotal role in the regional architecture. Both sides also agreed to effectively implement the ASEAN-UK Joint Statement on Connectivity; welcomed the strong implementation of the ASEAN-UK Plan of Action 2022-2026, and agreed to promptly launch the development of the ASEAN-UK Plan of Action 2026-2030.

7. Vietnam highly appreciates the UK's role in the region as well as its contributions to ASEAN and regional cooperation, and supports the UK's deeper engagement in regional, sub-regional and ASEAN-led mechanisms.

8. The two sides welcomed cooperation within the framework of the existing Memorandum of Understanding on defense cooperation in areas of mutual interest including: delegation exchanges, industrial cooperation and defense industry partnerships, peacekeeping, maritime domain awareness raising, geospatial mapping and hydrography.

9. The two sides pledged to cooperate on maritime security and share good practices on maritime awareness initiatives and maritime security strategies. The two sides will continue to facilitate mutual port visits by naval vessels of both countries in accordance with the laws of each country, and continue to promote cooperation on maritime security and safety and professional exchanges between the navies and coast guards of the two countries.

10. The two sides agreed to expand maritime security cooperation, improve maritime security monitoring and protection capacity through human resource training, technology transfer, and promote multilateral cooperation on maritime security between the National Border Committee, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam, and relevant agencies of the UK Government.

11. The two sides will further strengthen cooperation between the Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam and HM Revenue and Customs and the National Crime Agency of the United Kingdom (NCA); enhance cooperation, information exchange and capacity building in preventing and combating serious organized crime, including migration crime.

12. The two sides agreed to explore ways to promote discussions on sharing criminal records and extradition issues; and to exchange information and share experiences related to international standards on cyber security, information security and non-traditional security threats.

13. The two sides will make efforts to complete internal procedures related to the United Nations Convention on Cybercrime and promote cooperation in combating cybercrime, recognizing that the early entry into force of the Convention will contribute to promoting regional and international cooperation in this field.

14. The two sides agreed to establish an Enhanced Migration Partnership to reduce irregular migration and expedite the return of irregular migrants, with new measures including: the application of biometric data sharing in the verification process, expediting the issuance of documents, committing to enhance cooperation in dismantling immigration-related criminal networks and enhancing deterrence communications.

II. Strengthening economic, trade, investment and financial cooperation

15. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continue strengthening economic cooperation - an important pillar of the bilateral relationship - promoting free, fair, inclusive and sustainable trade, and supporting a transparent and rules-based international trading system. Both sides committed to working together to promote and enhance trade and investment on the basis of non-discrimination and mutual benefit.

16. Vietnam and the UK will strive to create a fair, transparent and open business environment in both countries, remove barriers to market access and promote smooth two-way trade to help businesses on both sides feel secure in exporting and investing.

17. The two governments will maintain open and constructive dialogue through the UK-Vietnam Joint Economic and Trade Cooperation Committee (JETCO), a mechanism to remove barriers that businesses from both countries face in expanding trade and investment activities. Both sides will actively strengthen cooperation between trade and investment promotion agencies, as well as work towards establishing an annual business dialogue mechanism between UK business leaders and Vietnamese Government leaders to enhance trade and investment cooperation.

18. The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to work closely together to effectively implement and review the UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). The cooperation includes facilitating market access by removing trade barriers to each other's goods and services, protecting intellectual property rights, reducing costs, promoting e-commerce, supporting businesses to build a strong supply chain that takes advantage of each economy's strengths in accordance with the laws of both countries, and encouraging digital trade to adapt to new technologies in an increasingly connected world.

19. The two leaders noted the importance of respecting internationally recognized labor rights based on the International Labor Organization (ILO) Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.

20. As members of the CPTPP Agreement, the two sides will coordinate to promote the overall review process and recognize the importance of further expanding this Agreement.

21. The two sides welcomed the signing of the Agreement on cooperation and mutual administrative assistance in the field of customs between Vietnam and the United Kingdom (full name is the Agreement between the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on cooperation and mutual administrative assistance in the field of customs).

General Secretary To Lam and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hold talks. Photo: VNA

22. The two sides stressed the importance of maintaining the food supply chain to ensure regional and global food security; agreed to enhance agricultural trade cooperation in a transparent, clear and effective manner, and promote market access. The two sides agreed to approach future negotiations on agricultural reform within the WTO framework in a cooperative and constructive spirit.

23. Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in developing Vietnam’s International Financial Centres in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, including through the Vietnam-UK International Financial Centre Partnership. This initiative will leverage the UK’s experience as a global financial centre and green capital markets hub, and deepen economic cooperation between the two countries in the areas of financial services and professional services. Through knowledge exchange, the two sides will share policies, regulatory approaches and experience in managing the financial system; promote the development of capital markets, financial technology (fintech), green finance and insurance.

24. Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation through mobilising green finance to promote green, low-emission growth and coordinating the sharing of expertise and deployment of green finance instruments in Viet Nam, including through the launch of the UK-Vietnam Green Finance Partnership. Both sides committed to removing institutional barriers to the private sector playing a central role in promoting green growth and sustainable trade.

25. Both sides agreed to expand cooperation in trade finance through the design and implementation of transparent, effective and sustainable trade finance mechanisms. Vietnam and the UK will continue to discuss and exchange experiences on the trade finance registration system and take advantage of the UK Export Finance (UKEF) export credit programme, with a total support limit of up to £5 billion for potential investments in Vietnam. Both sides welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Finance of Vietnam and UKEF.

III. Strengthening cooperation in science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, and healthcare

26. The two sides committed to strengthening cooperation in the fields of science and technology, innovation and digital transformation, recognizing these as key drivers for sustainable and inclusive development. They shared a common vision on the role of science and technology in shaping the future, as well as a commitment to applying new technologies in accordance with the universal values ​​of peace, freedom and responsibility.

27. The two sides agreed to effectively implement the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the fields of science, technology and innovation by 2025 to enhance cooperation in the fields of healthcare, green growth and breakthrough technology; promote knowledge and experience sharing, training high-quality human resources, and promote research and technology commercialization through cooperation projects between research institutes, universities, state agencies and enterprises of the two sides.

28. The two sides acknowledged the importance and long-term impact of digital transformation on countries and agreed to strengthen cooperation in policy making and implementation of joint initiatives in this area.

29. Both sides committed to promoting access to quality health care services for their people and building effective, sustainable and resilient health systems. They agreed to promote expert exchanges, policy dialogues and joint cooperation projects on global health security, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), as well as capacity building for the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases and population aging, based on the “One Health” approach. They also agreed to deepen cooperation in the field of digital health, expand cooperation on animal welfare, and expand trade and investment in health and life sciences, focusing on pharmaceuticals, clinical services, medical technology and consumer healthcare.

IV. Cooperation on environment, energy and green transition

30. Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to promoting a clean, equitable and sustainable energy transition to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, in line with their respective international commitments and development priorities, supported by ambitious, revised Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Vietnam and the UK will prioritize green energy transition targets, in particular through the effective implementation of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) framework for Vietnam, with the UK’s active participation and coordination in the International Partnership Group (IPG). Vietnam will continue to improve the legal framework and policy mechanisms to facilitate the mobilization of public and private financial resources for climate goals, ensuring transparency and efficiency towards sustainable development.

31. The two sides agreed to establish a Vietnam-UK Clean Energy Partnership between the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam and relevant UK agencies, to accelerate the transition to low-carbon and resilient economies in both countries; support the implementation of projects under the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP); expand technical cooperation in areas such as renewable energy, coal phase-out, and grid infrastructure upgrades; create opportunities for UK businesses to invest in offshore wind and clean energy in Vietnam, contributing to promoting green industrial growth in both countries; remove legal and regulatory barriers that hinder the green transition, in line with the legal processes of Vietnam and the UK; strengthen inter-ministerial coordination to effectively implement common green transition goals; and promote green and inclusive jobs, sustainable urban development through green transport and energy efficiency.

32. Recognizing the economic, social, environmental and migration impacts of climate change, Vietnam and the UK agreed to promote the Climate Partnership Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment of Vietnam and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Department (FCDO) to enhance cooperation in climate risk management; support the integration of climate change adaptation objectives into sectoral development planning and mobilise disaster risk reduction finance through the Disaster Risk Reduction Partnership; promote cooperation in nature-based solutions and biodiversity conservation, as well as develop Vietnam's forest carbon market towards effective implementation.

General Secretary To Lam and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer exchanged a Joint Statement on upgrading Vietnam-UK relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership. Photo: VNA

33. The two countries agreed to strengthen technical cooperation and official development assistance (ODA) within the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. In parallel with Vietnam implementing necessary policy measures, the UK commits to providing targeted technical assistance to Vietnam through ODA initiatives in line with the green development priorities of both countries, as well as in the areas of clean energy transition, green finance, carbon markets, urban development, green transport and infrastructure, transboundary water management, marine environmental protection, climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable fisheries.

V. Strengthening cooperation in education, culture, sports, tourism, people-to-people exchange, equal rights and other fields

34. The two sides commit to protecting and ensuring the safety of visitors and residents of Vietnam and the UK in each country, through compliance with commitments under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, in accordance with national laws.

35. Vietnam and the UK affirmed that education and training are the pillars of sustainable growth and human development; welcomed the signing of the Letter of Intent and agreed to continue to coordinate towards the extension of the Memorandum of Understanding between the two Ministries of Education in the coming time. Both sides agreed to promote academic exchanges and encourage the establishment of new joint programs, strengthen cooperation between higher education, vocational training and secondary education institutions through the exchange of lecturers, researchers and students, especially in areas such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and aerospace.

36. The UK affirmed its continued support for Vietnam in promoting English language teaching and training, aiming to make English the second language in Vietnamese schools by 2035 and enhancing talent development through cooperation between Vietnamese educational institutions, training establishments and schools. Vietnam welcomes UK educational institutions to establish branches and operate effectively in Vietnam, and encourages the strengthening of transnational educational cooperation, aiming to make Vietnam a new international education hub.

37. The two sides agreed to encourage cooperation in the fields of culture, sports, tourism, and communications; coordinate the organization of promotional activities and cultural, sports, and artistic exchanges in each country; facilitate agencies, associations, and tourism businesses of both sides to explore cooperation opportunities, exchange information, and experience in each other's areas of strength; and welcome the contributions and roles of the two countries' people's communities in promoting people-to-people exchanges and friendship between the two nations.

38. The two leaders acknowledged the important contribution of the British Council to the bilateral relationship in areas such as cultural and educational exchanges. Both sides will work together to enable the British Council to continue to promote its contributions in accordance with Vietnamese law.

39. The two sides emphasized the importance of cooperation between localities; encouraged localities of the two countries to increase exchanges and share experiences in sustainable development, smart urban construction, green transformation and innovation. Vietnam and the UK officially launched the City-to-City Partnership between Ho Chi Minh City and the Liverpool Metropolitan Area, demonstrating the increasingly deep friendship between the two countries and their cities.

40. Vietnam and the UK both recognise the valuable contributions of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to socio-economic development, as well as their role in supporting the two countries' efforts to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

41. The two sides reaffirm their shared commitment to promoting and protecting human rights in accordance with the United Nations Charter and international law. The two countries will continue to engage in sincere, frank and constructive dialogue through multilateral mechanisms, including the United Nations Human Rights Council and the Universal Periodic Review (UPR). The two sides will cooperate in implementing international human rights treaties to which they are parties and share good practices in anti-discrimination legislation. Vietnam and the UK will work together to promote inclusive societies that value and ensure equal opportunity and respect for human rights for all people, free from any form of discrimination.

VI. Strengthening coordination on regional and international issues

42. The two sides are committed to maintaining and promoting global peace, stability, security and prosperity in accordance with the United Nations Charter and international law, and share a common vision of a just international order based on international law, respecting independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

43. Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation between the UK and the Mekong Subregion, in particular with the Mekong River Commission, in the areas of sustainable development, climate change adaptation, sustainable water resources management and green finance.

44. The two countries expressed deep concern over the complicated developments at global geopolitical hotspots; called for an end to violence, protection of civilians, and ensuring unhindered humanitarian access in accordance with international law; supported international efforts to promote dialogue, reconciliation, and seek peaceful, comprehensive, and sustainable solutions to crises; and stressed the importance of achieving a comprehensive, just, and sustainable peace in accordance with international law and on the basis of the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter.

45. Both sides stressed the importance of achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine, in accordance with international law and on the basis of the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter. Viet Nam and the UK reaffirmed the importance of respecting the independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty of all states.

46. ​​Viet Nam and the UK stressed the importance of all parties in the Middle East complying with the terms of the ceasefire agreement; called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and condemned any attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the two-state solution as the only path to securing a just and lasting peace for both Israel and Palestine, as well as maintaining stability in the region.

47. The two countries reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region; stressed the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security, safety, freedom of navigation and overflight in seas and oceans, and the peaceful settlement of disputes on the basis of international law, the United Nations Charter and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS); called on countries in the region to fully and effectively implement the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and support current efforts to achieve a practical and substantive Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) in accordance with international law and UNCLOS 1982.

48. Based on the contents of the Joint Statement, the Foreign Ministries of the two countries are responsible for coordinating with relevant ministries and branches to develop a joint action plan to implement and realize the above-mentioned goals.

Vietnam and the UK upgrade their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership . Vietnam and the UK have just upgraded their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership. This event marks Vietnam having a comprehensive strategic partnership with all five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/tuyen-bo-chung-ve-nang-cap-quan-he-viet-nam-anh-len-doi-tac-chien-luoc-toan-dien-2457701.html