US Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at the press conference on August 26

She told the media at a press briefing in Hanoi on Thursday that both countries have had an enduring commitment to this relationship, because it matters to the people, security and prosperity of the two countries. She highlighted achievements in bilateral ties since the two countries normalized their diplomatic ties.

Harris said that she knew COVID-19 is the top concern of both countries and assured that the US will be with Vietnam in this battle, saying the US has provided vaccines to Vietnam and opened its Southeast Asia Regional Office of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Hanoi. In the remarks, she also noted how the two countries have strengthened economic ties during the pandemic. The US has launched initiatives that will help Vietnam transit to a more digital economy and develop satellite technology in agriculture and provide assistance to women and ethnic minority. Addressing the climate crisis and green transition were also issues of much discussion. She said the US will continue to work with Vietnam to promote freedom of navigation and ensure order and rules at sea. She cited  the construction of a new headquarters of the US Embassy in Hanoi as an example of bilateral commitment to cooperation. Earlier, Vice President Harris visited the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology to witness the transfer of 270,000 doses of Pfizer vaccine to Vietnam as part of the US's 1 million doses donated under the framework of the Vice President’s visit to Vietnam.