In the spirit of putting the past aside, transcending differences, fostering similarities and looking towards the future, the Vietnam-US comprehensive partnership is continually strengthened and expanded, serving the interests of both countries’ people, contributing to peace and prosperity throughout the region and the world.
Since the normalisation of diplomatic relations 28 years ago, Vietnam and the US have embarked on a journey of cooperation, with concerted efforts to build trust and move forward together.
Specifically, in the past 10 years since the establishment of a comprehensive partnership in 2013, trust has been significantly consolidated and reinforced, contributing to the fruitful development of Vietnam-US relations, both at the bilateral level and within the broader regional and international contexts, aligning with the aspirations of both peoples.
The priority areas of cooperation between Vietnam and the US have all witnessed strong developments. The two countries maintain contact and delegation exchange activities. During a phone call in March 2023, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and US President Joe Biden agreed to promote, develop and deepen Vietnam-US relations for the benefit of both countries, as well as for the sake of peace, cooperation and development.
Along with their fine political relations, economic and trade relations between Vietnam and the US are regarded as the most successful areas of cooperation. Currently, the US is one of Vietnam's largest trading partners and is also Vietnam’s first export market to surpass the 100 billion USD milestone.
For years, the US has consistently ranked among the largest investors in Vietnam, boasting nearly 1,150 active projects, with a total registered investment capital of over 10.3 billion USD. Vietnam has become the US’s 7th largest trading partner, while investment by Vietnamese businesses in the US is also growing.
Defence and security cooperation between Vietnam and the US has maintained its growth momentum. Humanitarian cooperation and efforts to address the consequences of war remain top priorities, producing numerous tangible outcomes. The US has continued to increase the budget for the Bien Hoa airport decontamination project and provide support for people with disabilities in areas affected by dioxin contamination.
Vietnamese agencies have worked with the US side in the search, identification and repatriation of the remains of missing US soldiers. Educational cooperation has also made significant progress, with efforts to promote technology transfer. In the meantime, healthcare and socio-economic recovery cooperation after the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be bright spots in the bilateral relationship, especially in supporting each other with medical supplies, vaccine access, experience-sharing in epidemic prevention and the protection of citizens.
Affirming its willingness to cooperate with international partners in bolstering friendship and dialogue, consolidating peace, promoting development, upholding international law and addressing shared challenges, Vietnam continues to work with the US and its partners to promote peace and cooperation throughout the region and the world.
Both sides are strengthening coordination at regional forums, such as ASEAN and APEC, and on global issues. Amid global uncertainties, the two countries still maintain and expand cooperation opportunities in new fields, such as climate change, digital transformation, the green economy and food security.
Commenting on the numerous cooperative achievements between the two countries, that few people could have envisioned nearly 30 years ago, Vietnamese Ambassador to the US Nguyen Quoc Dung noted that many describe the Vietnam-US relationship as “miraculous”. However, it must be emphasised that the “sweet fruits” achieved by both countries are not a matter of luck or coincidence. They are the result of persistent efforts made by generations of leaders and people of the two countries.
Regarding the factors that foster Vietnam-US relations, Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Dung analysed that the development of cooperation genuinely brings mutual benefits and aligns with the aspirations of the people, contributing to peace and development of both countries and the region.
Another crucial factor is how the two countries treat each other, which is with respect, especially respect for each other's independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and political systems. There also exists sincerity and a willingness to cooperate and seek understanding to resolve differences.
Reflecting on the accomplishments of the ten years of the Vietnam-US comprehensive partnership, both sides expressed delight at the growing dynamism in their relationship. Recently, in his message sent to the government and people of Vietnam on the occasion of Vietnam's 78th National Day, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken affirmed that the US supports a strong, prosperous, independent and resilient Vietnam.
He added that the US government cherishes the partnership that the two countries’ governments and people have built together and looks forward to working together on priorities that further the shared goal of a prosperous, open, resilient and peaceful Indo-Pacific Region.
