At the meeting in New York on September 22 (local time), General Secretary and President To Lam highlighted the importance of continuing to effectively implement existing defence and security cooperation agreements within the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with priority to be given to addressing the consequences of war.

He described Vietnam’s handover to the US of artefacts from the former Reasoner military compound in Da Nang, carried out in a spirit of goodwill and humanity, as a meaningful contribution to peace, healing and reconciliation between the two countries.

For his part, Hung Cao said defence cooperation, including maritime security cooperation, plays an important role in promoting peace and prosperity in both countries, as well as security, cooperation and development in the region.

He expressed his wish to further expand cooperation in maritime security, capacity building, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, as well as efforts to address common regional challenges.

The US official thanked Vietnam for its active cooperation in the search for US servicemen missing in action during the war and for facilitating the handover of artefacts from the former Reasoner military compound. He reaffirmed the US commitment to supporting Vietnam in addressing the consequences of war.

Broader cooperation within the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

Building on the defence and security agenda, General Secretary and President To Lam outlined Vietnam’s broader development priorities, identifying science and technology, innovation and digital transformation as key drivers and foundations of national development.

He said Vietnam wants to effectively mobilise domestic and international resources and draw on knowledge, technology, management experience and high-quality human resources to support development. In this direction, it regards the US as one of its foremost strategically important partners and wishes to work with the US to further advance the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in a stable, substantive, effective and sustainable manner.

The leader also stressed the importance of economic and trade ties as a pillar and driver of bilateral relations. He called for trade to develop in a balanced, stable and sustainable manner, and for the two sides to soon resolve the remaining issues in negotiations towards signing a reciprocal trade agreement, thereby facilitating businesses in both countries.

He proposed stronger cooperation with the US in science and technology, innovation, high technology, semiconductors, energy and supply chains.

Hung Cao affirmed that the US attaches importance to its relations with Vietnam and supports a strong, independent, self-reliant and prosperous Vietnam that plays an increasingly important role in the region.

Noting the significant potential for cooperation in the economy, trade, science and technology, and defence and security, Hung Cao said that, in his capacity, he would continue to support and promote Vietnam-US relations in a substantive and effective manner at the bilateral, regional and global levels.

Strengthening people-to-people ties

The discussions also touched on the role of the Vietnamese community in the US and its contribution to the relationship between the two countries.

Party General Secretary and President To Lam said he was pleased to see Vietnamese communities in the US and around the world becoming increasingly successful, reputable and socially influential, making important contributions to the development of their host societies.

He affirmed that the Party and State regard Vietnamese people overseas as an integral part of the nation, an important national resource and a bridge of friendship between Vietnam and other countries. He expressed his hope that Hung Cao would continue to contribute positively to Vietnam-US relations and strengthen the bonds between the Vietnamese community in the US and their homeland.

Hung Cao, for his part, expressed his strong feelings for Vietnam and his pleasure at the country’s rapid development in recent years, as well as his expectations for further breakthroughs in the years ahead.

He affirmed that he would continue supporting and contributing to efforts to strengthen the bonds between the Vietnamese community in the US and their homeland, as well as to peace, resilience and development in Vietnam and Vietnam-US relations.

Both sides agreed that, building on the important achievements already made, Vietnam and the US should continue to effectively implement the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, enhance mutual understanding, strengthen trust and expand mutually beneficial cooperation, contributing to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world at large.