Coinciding with the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the Viet Nam–UK Strategic Partnership (2010–2025), General Secretary To Lam’s visit to the United Kingdom holds great significance for both countries. It offers an opportunity for Viet Nam and the UK to review their cooperation journey, agree on new orientations to elevate bilateral relations in the coming period, and reaffirm Viet Nam’s consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, diversification, and multilateralisation — for peace, cooperation, and sustainable development.
Since Viet Nam and the UK officially established diplomatic relations in 1973, the two nations — situated on different continents — have achieved numerous milestones over more than half a century of companionship and shared development. The establishment of the Strategic Partnership in September 2010 marked a new chapter in the history of bilateral relations.
The Party and State of Viet Nam have always attached great importance to strengthening Viet Nam–UK relations, meeting the expectations of the peoples of both countries, for peace, cooperation, and development in the region and the world. Meanwhile, the UK regards Viet Nam as one of its most important partners in the Asia–Pacific region.
Over the past more than 50 years, the sound relationship between Viet Nam and the UK has demonstrated its strong vitality and resilience through achievements in political, diplomatic, economic, and cultural cooperation. Political trust has been strengthened, with both sides maintaining regular exchanges of delegations and contacts at all levels — particularly at the high level — and effectively implementing bilateral cooperation mechanisms.
Over the past more than 50 years, the sound relationship between Viet Nam and the UK has demonstrated its strong vitality and resilience through achievements in political, diplomatic, economic, and cultural cooperation. Political trust has been strengthened, with both sides maintaining regular exchanges of delegations and contacts at all levels — particularly at the high level — and effectively implementing bilateral cooperation mechanisms.
The two countries also enhance coordination on regional and international issues of shared concern at multilateral forums such as the United Nations and within the ASEAN–UK framework. Viet Nam has actively supported the UK in its process of joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
Trade and investment cooperation have been thriving. The two countries signed the UK–Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA), creating new opportunities to boost cooperation. The UK is Viet Nam’s third-largest trading partner in Europe, while Viet Nam is the UK’s largest trading partner in Southeast Asia. Bilateral trade in 2024 reached 8.4 billion USD, up 18% from 2023. In the first half of 2025 alone, bilateral trade reached 4.3 billion USD, nearly 10% higher than the same period in 2024. The UK currently has 587 investment projects in Viet Nam, with total registered capital of 4.46 billion USD, ranking 15th among countries and territories investing in Viet Nam.
Education and training cooperation is a prominent highlight of the bilateral relationship. The United Kingdom — renowned for its world-class education — remains a magnet for Vietnamese and international students alike. Around 12,000 Vietnamese students are currently studying in the UK. In science and technology, the two sides have carried out around 50 joint research projects and several cooperative activities. In environmental protection and climate change response, the UK, as a coordinator, has actively supported Viet Nam in implementing the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) between Viet Nam and the International Partners Group.
Viet Nam always values the valuable support and assistance extended by the government and people of the United Kingdom during the country’s process of national construction and development. The UK has been one of Viet Nam’s leading donors through the Prosperity Fund, the Newton Fund, and the Action Programme for a Sustainable Asia.
At the local level, the two countries have established seven pairs of twinned localities. Friendship organisations have actively promoted cultural, educational, and youth exchanges to enhance mutual understanding and strengthen the bonds of friendship between the peoples of both nations.
The Vietnamese community in the UK, numbering nearly 100,000, enjoys a stable life, has successfully integrated into local society, abides by local laws, and continues to make enduring contributions to the Viet Nam–UK relationship.
With a legacy of more than 50 years of sincere, practical, and effective cooperation, Viet Nam and the UK are moving forward confidently on their journey to elevate their bilateral relationship to new heights.
The official visit to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland by General Secretary To Lam, his spouse, and the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation marks another significant milestone, further deepening Viet Nam–UK relations and laying a solid foundation for both nations to realise their shared aspirations for development in the new era.
