A joint statement on the upgrade of the bilateral relationship was issued on October 29, following the talks between Party General Secretary To Lam and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London.

Vietnam and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement
announcing the elevation of Vietnam–UK relations to a Comprehensive Strategic
Partnership, following the talks between General Secretary of the Communist
Party of Vietnam Central Committee To Lam and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in
London on October 29 (local time),  according to a report from the Vietnam News Agency.

According to the joint statement, both sides reaffirmed their
commitment to further enhancing economic cooperation, a key pillar of the bilateral relationship, championing free, fair, inclusive and sustainable trade
and supporting a transparent and rules-based international trading
system. 

Vietnam and the UK will strive to enable a fair, transparent
and open business environment in both countries, removing market access
barriers and facilitating smooth two-way trade so businesses from both countries can export and
invest with confidence.

Both sides reaffirmed their respective commitment to close coordination
to effectively implement and review the Vietnam-UK Free Trade Agreement
(UKVFTA) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific
Partnership (CPTPP).

Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in the
development of Vietnam’s international financial center in Ho Chi Minh City
and Da Nang, including through the Vietnam-UK International Financial Centre
partnership. 

Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation by mobilising
green finance to promote low-emission, resilient green growth, working together
to share expertise and deploy green financial instruments in Vietnam, including
through the launch of the Vietnam-UK Green Finance Partnership.

Both sides agreed to expand cooperation in trade finance
through the design and implementation of transparent, effective, and
sustainable trade finance mechanisms. 

Both sides committed to enhancing cooperation in science and
technology, innovation, and digital transformation, recognising these as key
drivers for sustainable and inclusive development. 

Vietnam News Agency-Khánh Vân