UK and Vietnam Deepen Ties with New Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
UK Prime Minister hosts General Secretary Tô Lâm at Downing Street to strengthen cooperation across trade, security, and migration.
London:
The UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer yesterday welcomed General Secretary Tô Lâm of Vietnam to 10 Downing Street, marking a significant step forward in the relationship between the United Kingdom and Vietnam. The meeting underscored the two nations’ shared commitment to advancing prosperity, regional stability, and global cooperation through the newly established UK–Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
During their discussions, the Prime Minister and General Secretary Tô Lâm reaffirmed their commitment to deepen collaboration across key areas including trade, security, climate action, migration, and education. The leaders agreed that the new strategic framework would provide a strong foundation for long-term cooperation and mutual growth.
A central point of the meeting was the announcement of an Enhanced Migration Partnership, signed earlier in the day by the UK Home Secretary and her Vietnamese counterpart. The Prime Minister emphasized that this agreement will help streamline the return process and combat criminal networks involved in illegal migration, reflecting a joint determination to secure borders and address shared migration challenges.
Both sides also reaffirmed their commitments under the new partnership to protect visitors and residents in accordance with national laws and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations. The Prime Minister took the opportunity to raise consular matters of mutual concern.
On the economic front, the leaders discussed opportunities to boost bilateral trade and investment, building on the successes of the UK–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA) and Vietnam’s participation in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). They agreed that there is “much more to do” to deliver sustainable economic growth and create jobs for working people in both nations.
Turning to regional security, the Prime Minister and General Secretary Tô Lâm reiterated their shared commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific. The Prime Minister highlighted the recent deployment of HMS Richmond to the region as part of the UK’s Carrier Strike Group, demonstrating Britain’s ongoing contribution to peace, stability, and maritime security in the Asia-Pacific.
Both leaders concluded the meeting by expressing optimism for the future of the UK–Vietnam relationship and agreed to maintain close dialogue in the months ahead.
The meeting marks a milestone in the growing partnership between London and Hanoi, setting the stage for closer cooperation and a shared vision for a secure, prosperous, and sustainable future.
