PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc (left) during a talk with US Presindet Donald Trump at the White House on May 31, 2017. ( Photo: Vu Dung-Pham Huan)

It was the first visit to the US by PM Phuc in his role as head of government.

During his 3-day stay, PM Phuc and President Trump held talks and met the press in Washington DC, during which the two leaders committed to developing stable, long-term, constructive, and mutually beneficial ties for the sake of the two countries and for peace, stability, cooperation, and development in Asia-Pacific and the world, on the basis of compliance with the UN Charter and international law, respect for independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and each other’s political regime.

They vowed to boost bilateral links in humanitarian affairs, post-war recovery, people-to-people exchange, science-technology, education-training, health care, and national defense-security.

Both sides underscored the importance of maritime and aviation freedom in the East Sea and expressed support for peaceful settlement of disputes in line with international law, including respecting diplomatic and legal processes. They also lauded the progress of negotiations on a Code of Conduct in the East Sea.

In New York, Mr. Phuc met with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and attended a ceremony to celebrate Vietnam’s 40 years of UN membership.

Mr. Phuc met representatives of the US business community and witnessed the signing of 19 trade deals worth nearly 12 billion USD.