Deputy FM Le Thi Thu Hang attends the celebration of 77th birthday of King Charles III

The event was held in the grounds of the Hanoi Opera House. (Photo: British Embassy in Vietnam)

The event brought together UK Ambassador to Vietnam Iain Frew; representatives from embassies, international organizations, Vietnamese ministries and agencies; as well as businesses from both countries.

In his opening speech, Ambassador Iain Frew congratulated the two countries on a historic milestone in their diplomatic relations, as Vietnam and the UK officially elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the official visit of General Secretary To Lam two weeks earlier. According to him, with this “step forward,” the two sides not only reaffirmed their affection and commitment to one another, but also charted a shared path for the future based on trust, ambition, and mutual interest.

UK Ambassador to Vietnam Iain Frew expressed his belief that the two countries “have gone far and will continue to go far — together.” (Photo: British Embassy in Vietnam)

Affirming that in an unpredictable and tension-filled international environment both countries recognize that success comes through cooperation, the Ambassador called on Vietnam and the UK to promote peace and security, protect free and fair international trade, reinforce the rules-based international order and multilateral institutions, and deepen cooperation in multiple fields.

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“We have achieved significant results, from cooperation on a clean and inclusive energy transition, to strengthening education links, and bringing bilateral trade to new heights. Under our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, we will continue to build on these achievements toward security, prosperity, and sustainable development for both sides,” he emphasized.

Quoting the saying “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together,” Ambassador Frew expressed confidence that the two countries “have gone far and will continue to go far - together.”

At the event, Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang underscored that for many centuries, the United Kingdom has had a profound influence on the development of human civilization. From Isaac Newton, who laid the foundations of modern science, and James Watt, who initiated the Industrial Revolution, to literary and artistic giants such as William Shakespeare and Charles Dickens, and iconic music groups such as The Beatles, Queen and the Spice Girls - the UK has helped to shape enduring values of intellect and creativity. Today, the UK continues to affirm its position as one of the world’s leading centers of finance, science and technology, culture, education, and innovation.

Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang emphasized that over more than half a century, Vietnam and the UK have built a strong, trusted, and effective partnership. (Photo: British Embassy in Vietnam)

According to the Deputy Minister, under the reign of King Charles III, noble values of humanity and a spirit of service to the community have been continued and strongly promoted, clearly demonstrated through His Majesty’s commitments to environmental protection, biodiversity, climate adaptation and green, sustainable development.

“Vietnam appreciates His Majesty’s vision and believes that this is also the shared foundation for our two countries to continue advancing cooperation for global peace and prosperity,” Deputy Minister Le Hi Thu Hang stressed.

She highlighted that the official visit of General Secretary To Lam to the UK from 28-30 October, and the elevation of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, represented a mature political decision, a historic milestone testifying to the high level of trust, friendship, and shared vision toward the future. It is the result of more than half a century of close cooperation and opens a new chapter in Vietnam-UK relations, moving forward with confidence in intellect, creativity, and humanity developed over the past decades.

Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang and Ambassador Iain Frew celebrated the occasion. (Photo: British Embassy in Vietnam)

On this occasion, the Deputy Minister expressed appreciation to the UK Government for its timely assistance of £500,000 to help Vietnam overcome the consequences of recent major storms - vivid evidence of solidarity, sharing, and the close bond between the two peoples. She also expressed her wish for the two sides to work closely in the time ahead to develop an Action Plan to implement the contents of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, bringing bilateral cooperation into a new stage of development.

Vietnam and the UK have developed a strong, reliable, and effective partnership. The UK is now Vietnam’s third-largest export market in Europe, while Vietnam is the UK’s second-largest market in ASEAN. In the financial sector, the UK is an especially important partner for Vietnam in developing an international financial center. Education and human-resource development are also bright spots. Many Vietnamese officials and experts have studied under the UK Government’s Chevening Scholarship; many Vietnamese scholars are working in leading research institutes, universities, and technology enterprises in the UK; and many British friends living and working in Vietnam continue to serve as ambassadors of friendship between the two nations.

“These achievements could not have been possible without the foundation of mutual trust, understanding and shared values that our leaders and peoples have nurtured over the past half century,” Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang affirmed.

Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang and Ambassador Iain Frew congratulated King Charles III on his 77th birthday. (Photo: Thu Anh)

The celebration also paid tribute to Jane Austen - one of the most beloved authors of the United Kingdom - whose 250th birth anniversary will be marked in 2025. Austen was a pioneering novelist whose works remain popular today. Pride and Prejudice, Emma, and Sense and Sensibility continue to be widely adapted for film and television. She is known for her subtle satire of 19th-century English society and enduring themes of family, friendship, and the search for a perfect partner.

The event took place in a warm and elegant atmosphere. (Photo: Ngoc Anh)

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