(VOVWORLD) -President Luong Cuong expressed his belief that the official visit to Vietnam by US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth will contribute significantly to realizing the commitments of the two countries' senior leaders, promoting their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in a more substantive, effective and sustainable manner.
 President Luong Cuong and US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. Photo: Viet Cuong/VOV
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Meeting with Secretary Hegseth in Hanoi on Sunday, President Cuong said Vietnam consistently pursues an independent, self-reliant, diversified and multilateral foreign policy, and is a friend and reliable partner, an active and responsible member of the international community.
He asked the US side to coordinate to soon arrange a visit to Vietnam by President Donald Trump, calling it a new historical milestone in bilateral relations, which creates momentum to boost strategic cooperation between the two countries.
 President Luong Cuong talks to US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. Photo: Viet Cuong/VOV
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On behalf of the US Government, Secretary of War Hegseth expressed condolences for the losses caused by recent floods in Vietnam’s northern and central provinces. He added the US values the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Vietnam and appreciates Vietnam's growing role and position in the regional and the international arena.
The United States will continue to closely coordinate with Vietnam in addressing war legacy, including bomb and mine clearance, dioxin remediation, and the search and identification of remains of Vietnamese soldiers, Secretary Hegseth said.
Discussing regional issues, the two sides expressed support for the shared stance of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on the East Sea, especially the principle of ensuring freedom and safety of navigation and aviation, and resolving disputes by peaceful means on the basis of international law.