US Deputy Secretary of State Allison Hooker (L) and Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Hang during their meeting in Washington DC. (Photo: VOV correspondent in the US)

Ms. Hooker made the pledge during a meeting in Washington DC with Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Hang, who is also Standing Vice Chair of the Vietnam National Committee for APEC 2027.

Hang reiterated that Vietnam attaches importance to its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the United States and seeks to deepen cooperation across areas such as trade, investment, science and technology, and innovation. Hang stressed that hosting APEC 2027 is one of Vietnam’s top multilateral diplomatic priorities in the coming period, noting that preparations are underway across all areas.

Allison Hooker said she hoped bilateral relations would continue their positive momentum, including through the early conclusion of a balanced and fair reciprocal trade agreement, which she said would provide a foundation for advancing ties across multiple fields. She praised Vietnam’s role in hosting APEC for the third time, commending its active preparations for APEC 2027. She said the US would work closely with Vietnam to ensure the success of the APEC year.

The discussions with the US Deputy Secretary of State took place on the sidelines of Ms. Hang’s visit to the United States from Monday to attend the sixth round of negotiations on a Vietnam–US reciprocal trade agreement.

Deputy Foreign Minister Hang also held meetings with US APEC Senior Official Casey Mace, US Chamber of Commerce Vice President Charles Freeman, and leaders of the US National Center for APEC.