US supports stronger economic-trade ties with Vietnam

Pompeo spoke highly of the measures the Vietnamese Government has taken towards a harmonious and sustainable trade relationship and affirmed the two sides should continue dialogues and consultations to build stable trade ties.

He appreciated both countries’ efforts to strengthen and expand their comprehensive partnership on the basis of respect for each other’s independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and political institutions.

The United States supports a strong, independent and prosperous Vietnam that plays an increasingly important role in the region, said Pompeo, adding the US is committed to maintaining stable relations and will continue to cooperate with Vietnam to promote relations in a substantial, reliable, effective and sustainable manner, contributing to security, peace, cooperation and development in the region and the world.

For his part, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh Minh affirmed Vietnam attaches great importance to its comprehensive partnership with the United States. He expressed his pleasure at the positive and comprehensive development of bilateral ties, from politics - diplomacy, economy- trade, security - defense to people-to-people exchanges.

Minh welcomed progress the two sides have made in implementing the Vietnam-US action plan towards a harmonious and sustainable trade. He emphasized the potential of developing energy cooperation between the two countries and voiced Vietnam’s commitment to creating a favourable investment and business environment for US businesses to operate successfully in the long term in the country.

The Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister spoke of activities both countries have flexibly organized to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in the difficult context caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, including maintaining contacts and exchanging congratulatory messages between senior leaders of the two countries.

He thanked the US Government and the Department of State for their practical and timely support to Vietnam in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the recent flood disaster in the central region, including a US$2 million grant from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

The two sides exchanged views on measures to further deepen bilateral relations in the future, with priority given to early resuming regular delegation exchanges, strengthening humanitarian cooperation, and overcoming the consequences of war. They also agreed to facilitate the strengthening of bilateral trade and investment relations on the basis of mutual benefit.

On regional issues of mutual concern, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Pham Binh Minh suggested the United States continue to support ASEAN’s solidarity and central role, and promote the ASEAN-US strategic partnership.

Secretary Pompeo appreciated Vietnam’s role as ASEAN Chair 2020 and a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for 2020-2021. He expressed his wish the two sides continue to strengthen coordination in addressing common challenges, contributing to maintaining peace, stability, security and development in the region and the world.

Secretary Pompeo made a two-day official visit to Vietnam, starting October 29, at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh. The visit is to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and the US.