Synopsis: Viet Nam and the United States reaffirm their commitment to deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership by expanding cooperation in trade, security, technology, education and regional stability.
Vietnam and the USA have reaffirmed their readiness for bolstering their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership through enhanced collaboration in such sectors as trade, investment, security, science and technology, education, and regional issues. This commitment was made at the meeting between Vietnam’s Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held on the margins of the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM-59) in Manila.
While speaking during the discussions, Le Hoai Trung assured the continued engagement of the US in Southeast Asia. He reiterated the support of Viet Nam for the ASEAN centrality and regional cooperation. It was made clear that active engagement of the US in the ASEAN-led mechanisms shows the commitment of the US to promote peace, stability, and sustainable development in the region.
Also read: Ajit Doval, Saudi FM Discuss Energy and Maritime Security
Economic and trade cooperation was an important area of discussion. Both the ministers agreed to strive for the creation of a stable and reciprocal economic relationship that is mutually beneficial while increasing the level of investments and business activities. Viet Nam stated its commitment to creating an open and favorable investment climate through the implementation of reforms in its laws and regulations while the United States stressed the need for a high standard and reciprocal trade system.
There were also opportunities for further collaboration in areas such as science, technology, innovation, education and people-to-people contacts discussed during the meeting. Both sides acknowledged that these areas played an important role in the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and decided to enhance cooperation in areas of new technologies, research and labor markets.
In matters related to security and defense, the ministers reiterated their pledge to continue cooperation based on common interests and current bilateral agreements. It was also decided that cooperation should be sustained in the field of humanitarian programs such as dioxin cleanup, unexploded ordinance removal, assistance to disabled people, and searching for missing individuals from both sides.
Also read: Driving Business through Technology in Manufacturing Industries
Both sides also discussed the situation in the region and internationally, confirming their common dedication to keeping peace, stability, and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. Both sides promised to keep close collaboration with each other through the ASEAN mechanisms and other multilateral frameworks while supporting each other’s major international endeavors like the G20 Leaders’ Summit hosted by the United States and APEC 2027 hosted by Viet Nam.
The discussions were closed with the assurance of both parties that the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will further grow in a stable, solid, and effective way. By deepening their cooperation in areas including economy, security, technology and education, the two countries hope to develop an ever-growing strategic partnership that serves not only their interests but also those of the region.