Minister of Foreign Affairs   Bui Thanh Son and Vietnamese Ambassador to the UK Nguyen Hoang Long attend the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II Westminster Abbey in London on Sept 19.(photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

He expressed the deepest condolences to the UK on the passing of the Queen when writing in the book of condolences on behalf of President Nguyen Xuan Phuc. Vietnam always appreciates the Queen’s important support and contributions to strengthening the strategic partnership between Vietnam and the UK, Mr. Son wrote.

Mr. Son also attended a reception for representatives from nations hosted by King Charles III at Buckingham Palace, and another reception hosted by British Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs James Cleverly at Westminster Abbey right after the funeral.

During his trip, he also met King Charles III, new Prime Minister Lizz Truss, and a number of her cabinet’s members. Mr. Son expected the Royal Family and British Government will continue backing the development of the bilateral strategic partnership with Vietnam, given that the two countries are celebrating the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic ties next year.

Foreign Minister Son was among more than 2,000 guests, including 500 foreign heads of states, royal family members and officials representing nearly 200 countries and territories, attending the funeral.