He shared Vietnam’s perspective on three key issues: responsibilities regarding the changes unfolding across the globe; the journey that has brought Vietnam and the US from the past to their current relationship; and the shared responsibility to further advance bilateral ties in the time ahead.
On bilateral ties, the Vietnamese leader reaffirmed Vietnam’s foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, diversification and multilateralization of external relations.
He described the US as one of Vietnam’s most important partners and said the two countries should look beyond their existing achievements and make a greater contribution to development, security and prosperity.
He called for maintaining the momentum of bilateral relations and building a stable, long-term political foundation worthy of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
He said Vietnam is ready for frank and sincere discussions with the US on issues of mutual concern and will continue working to appropriately manage differences.
Mr. Lam said defense and security cooperation should continue in line with the needs, capabilities, policies and interests of both countries and contribute to regional peace and stability.
The Vietnamese top leader called for deeper economic, trade and investment cooperation, saying the two countries can complement each other in markets, resources and technology and turn that complementarity into business opportunities, jobs and practical benefits for businesses, farmers, workers and consumers in both countries.
Vietnam, he said, attaches importance to US concerns over the trade balance, market access, rules of origin, intellectual property and supply-chain security, while seeking a stable and predictable trading environment.
He also highlighted science, technology and innovation as new drivers of bilateral relations, calling for cooperation in training semiconductor engineers and AI specialists, linking universities, research institutes and businesses, and strengthening Vietnamese companies’ capacity to participate in technology supply chains.
Vietnam will continue improving its institutions, protecting investors’ legitimate rights and interests, strengthening intellectual-property protection, data security and cybersecurity, and addressing business concerns in a timely manner.
Mr. Lam said Vietnam will continue working with the US to search for US servicemen missing in action in Vietnam. He also called for continued US support in addressing dioxin contamination, clearing unexploded bombs and mines, assisting people with disabilities, sharing wartime records and providing DNA expertise for Vietnam’s 500-day campaign to search for, recover and identify the remains of fallen Vietnamese soldiers.
During the event, the Foreign Policy Association presented General Secretary and President To Lam with its FPA Medal, its highest honour, in recognition of his leadership and vision and Vietnam’s growing international role.
Expressing his thanks to the association, Mr. Lam said the medal recognized the contributions of Vietnam’s Party, State and people to peace, cooperation and development, as well as to Vietnam-US relations.
