As part of his attendance at the Summit of the Future and the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in the U.S., on September 25 (local time), General Secretary and President To Lam met with U.S. President Joe Biden.
During the meeting, General Secretary To Lam expressed his heartfelt gratitude to President Biden for his sincere condolences on the passing of former General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, as well as the U.S. government's timely support to the people of Vietnam in response to the recent Typhoon Yagi.
General Secretary To Lam thanked President Biden for his deep affection and significant contributions to the relationship between Vietnam and the U.S.
The General Secretary and President highlighted the historic visit of former General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong to the U.S. in 2015, and President Biden’s visit to Vietnam in September 2023 as pivotal events that have propelled bilateral relations to new heights, culminating in the establishment of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This partnership opens new avenues for robust and stable development between the two nations in the coming decades.
Mr. To Lam also commended President Biden's remarks at the opening of the UN General Assembly, where he shared with the world the lessons learned from the U.S.-Vietnam relationship in fostering reconciliation and building ties after the war.
Both leaders agreed that the two nations share a vision of building a brighter future for humanity, rooted in the spirit of healing, mutual respect, and understanding. Central to this is the respect for each other's independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political institutions.
General Secretary and President To Lam emphasized the unique nature of U.S.-Vietnam relations, evolving from former enemies to comprehensive partners and now reaching the highest level of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
He underscored that this relationship is setting a new chapter in history, serving as a model of post-war reconciliation and cooperation in international relations.
President Biden expressed his condolences to Vietnam for the devastation caused by Typhoon Yagi and reaffirmed that the U.S. is ready to assist in Vietnam's recovery efforts.
Congratulating Mr. To Lam on his new position, President Biden reiterated that the U.S. views Vietnam as a key partner in the region. He fondly recalled his September 2023 visit to Vietnam, highlighting the warm reception he received from the Vietnamese leadership and people, as well as the historic moment when he and former General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong announced the elevation of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for peace, cooperation, and sustainable development globally and regionally.
The U.S. President emphasized that the U.S. supports a “strong, independent, resilient, and prosperous” Vietnam and is committed to advancing bilateral relations based on respect for each other’s independence, sovereignty, and political systems. He further expressed his desire for U.S.-Vietnam relations to continue serving as a model for reconciliation and future cooperation.
General Secretary To Lam stressed that Vietnam is on the threshold of a new historical era - a time of national resurgence. He affirmed that Vietnam would continue to pursue its independent and self-reliant foreign policy of multilateralism and diversification, remaining a reliable partner and responsible member of the international community, with the U.S. as a strategically important partner.
Both leaders expressed their satisfaction with the positive outcomes achieved over the past year since the establishment of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. These results align with the interests and aspirations of both nations, contributing to peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and the world.
Looking ahead to the 30th anniversary of U.S.-Vietnam diplomatic relations in 2025, the two leaders agreed on the importance of maintaining close cooperation in effectively implementing the 2023 U.S.-Vietnam Joint Statement. This includes enhancing high-level exchanges, promoting cooperation in trade, investment, high-tech sectors, and semiconductor industries, and further unlocking the potential for collaboration in training high-quality human resources - an area identified as a focal point in the bilateral relationship.
On regional and international issues of mutual interest, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to increasing cooperation at regional and global forums, including ASEAN, the Mekong-U.S. Partnership, APEC, and the United Nations, to promote dialogue, peace, stability, cooperation, and development.
President Biden reaffirmed the U.S.’s commitment to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and emphasized the importance of ASEAN’s central role in the region.
The U.S. President also expressed support for Vietnam’s growing role in regional and international affairs, sharing the desire to work closely with Vietnam in maintaining peace, stability, and cooperation, upholding international law, ensuring freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea, combating climate change, and addressing shared regional and global challenges.