HANOI - Vietnam and the United Kingdom (UK) announced the elevation of their bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership on Wednesday, Vietnam News Agency reported.

The upgrade came following talks in London between General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee To Lam and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

According to a joint statement, the two sides reaffirmed key principles and outlined major orientations to further strengthen their traditional friendship and cooperation under the new framework.

Both countries pledged to enhance collaboration in the development of international financial centers in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang city, including through the Vietnam-UK International Financial Center partnership.

During the talks, both sides also agreed to double two-way trade in the future, the state-owned media reported.