Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam

Viet Nam and the UK: Strategic Partners in a Changing World

At a time of increasing geopolitical complexity, the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam continues to chart a steady diplomatic course rooted in peace, independence, self-resilience, multilateralism, and strategic autonomy. His Excellency Mr Đỗ Minh Hùng, Ambassador of Viet Nam to the United Kingdom, recently shared insights into Viet Nam’s foreign policy priorities, the evolution of Viet Nam–UK relations in the post-Brexit era, and one particularly memorable moment of his diplomatic career.

Navigating Global Uncertainty: Viet Nam’s Diplomatic Posture

Viet Nam’s greatest diplomatic challenge, Ambassador Hùng explains, lies in navigating an international landscape marked by unprecedented uncertainty. “The world today is experiencing increasing multipolarity, intensifying power rivalries, and a rise in both traditional and non-traditional security threats,” he noted.

Despite this challenging environment, the Ambassador clarifies that Viet Nam remains committed to a foreign policy of independence, self-resilience, peace, cooperation, and multilateral engagement. These values, anchored in historical experience and strategic vision, are central to the country’s principled approach to international relations.

As an active and responsible member of the global community, Viet Nam has consistently championed international law, the peaceful settlement of disputes and a rules-based international order. In forums such as the United Nations and ASEAN, Viet Nam has earned recognition for its constructive contributions—especially on issues such as maritime security in the South China Sea, where it promotes dialogue and legal frameworks like the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982).

Viet Nam also sees the digital economy, high technology, and green development as key to its economic development. The country’s business openness, skilled workforce, and strategic location have positioned it as an increasingly attractive destination for high-tech investment and supply chain diversification.

However, the increasingly uncertain global security and development environment has a direct impact on regional peace and stability. Rising unilateralism, protectionism and populism threatens the principles of openness and cooperation that have underpinned decades of multilateral system, globalisation and development. “We must continually strengthen our national capacity in diplomacy, defence, and strategic forecasting,” Ambassador Hùng asserted. In response, Viet Nam remains firm and consistent with its foreign policy direction—maintaining strategic autonomy while deepening cooperation with bilateral and multilateral partners.

“Anchored in values of peace, independence, cooperation, and multilateralism, Viet Nam has emerged as a confident and constructive player on the regional and global stage. The opportunities for economic transformation, technological innovation, and international cooperation are vast, but they require strategic foresight and resilience in the face of uncertainty,” stated the Ambassador.

Vietnam–UK Relations in the Post-Brexit Era

Post-Brexit, relations between Viet Nam and the UK have not only remained resilient but deepened significantly. “Bilateral ties have expanded with impressive momentum,” Ambassador Hùng said, citing increased diplomatic engagement, institutionalised dialogues, and broader cooperation across multiple sectors.

The UK–Viet Nam Strategic Partnership has been reinforced through regular high-level exchanges and mechanisms such as the Foreign Ministry Strategic Dialogue and Defence Policy Dialogue. These forums enable both nations to deepen mutual trust, coordinate on regional and global issues and affirm their shared commitment to an open, inclusive, rules-based international order.

Trade and investment are a cornerstone of this partnership. The UK–Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA) has facilitated a surge in bilateral trade, with the UK viewing Viet Nam as a gateway to ASEAN and Viet Nam recognising the UK as a key partner in economic diversification and industrial modernisation. Collaboration through the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) is further strengthening regional economic ties.

Defence and security cooperation has also expanded significantly in recent years. Joint efforts now include peacekeeping trainings, maritime security and migration dialogues, and new domains such as cybersecurity. In education, over 12,000 Vietnamese students are currently enrolled in UK institutions—a testament to the depth of people-to-people ties. UK and Vietnamese universities are increasingly collaborating on research, innovation, and capacity-building projects focused on technology and sustainability.

The bilateral agenda now also includes high-tech industries, finance, and renewable energy. With the UK’s expertise in clean energy, Ambassador Hùng sees great potential for the UK to support Viet Nam’s transition to a green economy. “Collaborations in these areas serve not only economic goals but also climate objectives, reinforcing both countries’ commitments to sustainability and carbon neutrality,” he said.

Cultural and parliamentary exchanges have further enriched the relationship. “People-to-people ties and interparliamentary cooperation are essential to a deeper, more sustainable partnership,” he said.

Looking ahead, the two nations share a clear vision: to elevate the Strategic Partnership to new heights through deeper trust, policy alignment, and expanded cooperation in trade, finance, defence, education, and climate diplomacy. “Our relationship is evolving from one of pragmatic cooperation to a more comprehensive and future-oriented strategic partnership,” Ambassador Hùng noted.

With shared values and complementary strengths, Viet Nam and the UK are shaping a partnership that is resilient, comprehensive and future-oriented—one that contributes to peace, innovation, and prosperity far beyond our borders.

A Royal Audience: A Career Highlight

Reflecting on his diplomatic journey, Ambassador Hùng recalled a particularly meaningful moment: “The most memorable day of my career was my audience with His Majesty King Charles III on 20 February 2025.”

During their warm and open conversation, the Ambassador and the King discussed deepening bilateral ties, especially in areas such as high-level exchanges, educational collaboration, and climate change mitigation—shared priorities for both countries.

His Majesty expressed strong support for strengthening the Viet Nam–UK Strategic Partnership, reaffirming the growing alignment between the two nations on global issues.

As the world continues to grapple with geopolitical upheaval, Viet Nam remains a steady and constructive voice on the global stage. Through a balanced foreign policy, forward-looking economic strategy, and strong international partnerships—including its dynamic and deepening relationship with the UK—Viet Nam is charting a course defined by peace, resilience, cooperation, and sustainable development.

Ambassador Hùng states: “With shared values and complementary strengths, Viet Nam and the UK are shaping a partnership that is resilient, comprehensive and future-oriented—one that contributes to peace, innovation, and prosperity far beyond our borders.”