Addressing media workers in Hanoi on October 12, Kritenbrink, who was the former US Ambassador to Vietnam, expressed hope that Vietnam, as a member of the Human Rights Council, will work alongside the US to promote universal human rights and solve human rights challenges globally.  

Vietnam on October 11 was elected to the UN Human Rights Council for the 2023-2025 term, with 145 out of a total of 189 votes in favour.

Kritenbrink is travelling to Vietnam and Laos from October 9-14 to reaffirm the US commitment to two important partners in Southeast Asia and the importance of ASEAN centrality ahead of the ASEAN-related Summits in November.

He told media workers that the US – Vietnam relationship has achieved many impressive milestones, especially after the two countries established their Comprehensive Partnership in 2013.

He expressed his belief that the Vietnam-US relationship will be substantively enhanced in the near future, especially when both countries will celebrate 10 years of their comprehensive partnership in 2023.

Vietnam plays a central role in the Indo-Pacific Strategy of the US, and the US will assist in strengthening the capacity of like-minded allies, partners and friends like Vietnam, he said.

In Hanoi, Assistant Secretary Kritenbrink is scheduled to meet with senior Vietnamese officials to expand the US - Vietnam Comprehensive Partnership. He will also speak with students at the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam and meet with alumni of the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative.

Source: VOV