HCMA leader's visit forge stronger Vietnam-UK cooperation in various fields
Nguyen Xuan Thang, Politburo member, President of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics (HCMA) and Chairman of the Central Theory Council, has paid a working visit to the UK to advance the Vietnam–UK strategic partnership with a focus on innovation, institutional reform and sustainable growth.
Meeting UK Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State Seema Malhotra, Thang outlined Vietnam’s priorities in growth model reform, streamlined governance, science and technology, and the green–digital transition.
He expressed Vietnam’s interest in drawing lessons from the UK’s expertise in financial centres and public policy. Malhotra reaffirmed the UK’s strong friendship with Vietnam and pledged support for its strategic goals.
At a meeting with Speaker of the House of Commons Lindsay Hoyle, both sides stressed the importance of deepening ties, with Hoyle voicing her hope to elevate the relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Thang conveyed greetings from Party General Secretary To Lam and highlighted shared interests in peace and prosperity.
In discussions with Civil Service Commissioner Baroness Gisela Stuart, the two sides exchanged experiences in building a modern, professional civil service fit for the digital era.
Thang also met with Chair of the UK–Vietnam Network and former British Ambassador to Vietnam Mark Kent, and members of the network to discuss cooperation on Vietnam’s international financial centre project, green transition, energy transformation, and people-to-people exchanges.
During his stay, Thang had meetings with leaders of London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), and members of the Vietnamese Intellectual Society (VIS) in the UK and Ireland.
He also attended and delivered remarks as an honorary guest at a ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day in the UK.
The visit reinforced the strategic importance of Vietnam–UK cooperation, consolidating political trust while opening new opportunities in innovation, governance and green development.
On September 18, the official concluded his London programme before continuing to Ireland and Scotland.
Vietnam defence delegation joins UK defence, security expo
A delegation of the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence led by Sen. Lt. Gen. Phung Si Tan, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army, attended the 2025 International Defence and Security Equipment Exhibition (DSEI UK 2025) held at ExCel London from September 9–11.
