British Consul General to Vietnam Emily Hamblin said that Ambassador Iain Frew and commanding officers on the Royal Navy patrol ship HMS Spey had talks with many leaders of Ho Chi Minh City (HCM) on February 8.

British Ambassador Iain Frew (center) and British officials meet with Ho Chi Minh City leaders. Photo: Emily Hamblin/ Twitter

“As Vietnam’s trade and investment hub, Ho Chi Minh City is vital to the UK, and a key destination for our businesses and people. There are huge opportunities for our businesses to bring expertise in clean growth, technology and education to support Ho Chi Minh City’s development ambitions,” Ms Hamblin wrote on Twitter.

Talks between British officials and Ho Chi Minh City leaders. Photo: Emily Hamblin/ Twitter

According to a statement posted on Twitter by the British Embassy later, the crew of the HMS Spey had a friendly football match with Vietnamese Navy soldiers that afternoon.

Sailors of HMS Spey (blue and purple shirts) and Vietnamese players pose for a photo before the match. Photo: British Embassy/ Twitter

“We were delighted today when the sailors of HMS Spey had a friendly match with the soldiers of the Vietnam Navy Region 2 Command. We witnessed great friendship and beautiful goals. In the end, the home team won with a score of 6-5,” the statement said.

British sailors (in purple and blue shirts) try to stop Vietnamese players from dribbling the ball. Photo: British Embassy/ Twitter
A British sailor celebrates after scoring a goal. Photo: British Embassy/ Twitter
Photo: British Embassy/ Twitter
The British Royal Navy's offshore patrol ship HMS Spey docked at Nha Rong port on February 7, beginning a five-day visit to Vietnam.