US Secretary of State Blinken praises results of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Vietnam

The implementation of the Vietnam-U.S. Comprehensive Strategic Partnership signed last September has achieved positive results, said U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Blinken made the statement in a talk with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in Hanoi on Saturday evening. The Secretary of State was leading a delegation representing President Biden to Vietnam to pay respects to late Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

He added that the active execution of the Vietnam-U.S. Joint Declaration and Action Plan in 2023 has yielded beneficial outcomes for both nations, contributing positively to regional and global peace, cooperation, and sustainable development.

Prime Minister Chinh highlighted that, thanks to the strategic vision and astute leadership of both General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and President Joe Biden, Vietnam-U.S. relations have entered a new and significant phase of development.

Blinken affirmed the US's commitment to further deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Vietnam.

On international and regional issues of mutual interest, the Vietnamese government leader welcomed the U.S.'s comprehensive and responsible engagement in the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions.

He expressed hope for continued U.S. support for ASEAN's central role and principled stance on the East Sea (internationally known as South China Sea) issue.

Blinken reiterated the U.S.’s support for a strong, independent, resilient, and prosperous Vietnam, its expanded international integration, and its increasingly significant role in ASEAN, the region, and global cooperation in addressing challenges.

Looking ahead to the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2025, Prime Minister Chinh and Secretary of State Blinken agreed on the importance of enhancing high-level exchanges and cooperation, particularly in economic, trade, investment, high-tech sectors, and semiconductor collaboration.

They emphasised the need to leverage cooperation in training high-quality human resources as a key focus and driving force for bilateral relations.

Prime Minister Chinh underscored the necessity of enhancing cooperation in addressing war legacies. Sharing his recent experience of visiting Vietnamese localities and meeting war veterans and their families on War Invalids and Martyrs' Day (July 27), he emphasised the enduring impact of war wounds on future generations.

He urged the U.S. to expedite demining, clearing unexploded ordnance, decontaminating dioxin hotspots, and supporting disabled individuals affected by the war. In return, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to fully and effectively cooperate in the search for US servicemen missing in action (MIA).

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, on behalf of the Government and people of Vietnam, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Secretary of State Blinken for visiting to pay respects to late Party General Secterary Nguyen Phu Trong and for President Biden’s condolences. He also conveyed his sincere thanks to President Biden, through Secretary Blinken, for the message of sympathy.

On behalf of President Biden and the U.S. administration, Blinken extended heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Vietnam for this profound loss.