President To Lam Meets US President Joe Biden on Sidelines of UN Summit
New York, The Gulf Observer: General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and State President To Lam held a significant meeting with US President Joe Biden on September 25 during his visit to the United States for the UN Summit of the Future and the high-level week of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
During the meeting, President To Lam expressed heartfelt gratitude to President Biden for his condolence message on the passing of Party Chief Nguyen Phu Trong and thanked the US government for its support in Vietnam’s relief efforts following Typhoon Yagi. The Vietnamese leader acknowledged the deep respect President Biden holds for Vietnam and praised his contributions to the strong development of the Vietnam-US relationship.
Lam highlighted the importance of the historic visit by former Party Chief Nguyen Phu Trong to the US in 2015 and Biden’s visit to Vietnam last year, which together propelled the bilateral relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership. He noted that these events have laid a solid foundation for Vietnam-US ties to grow stronger and more stable in the coming decades.
Reflecting on Biden’s address at the opening session of the UNGA, Lam expressed appreciation for the US President’s remarks on healing the wounds of war and building strong partnerships. He emphasized the unique transformation of the Vietnam-US relationship, evolving from former foes to comprehensive strategic partners. He hailed this evolution as a model for international relations and underscored the importance of mutual respect for each country’s independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political systems.
Lam affirmed that Vietnam is entering a new historical phase of national growth and will steadfastly pursue its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, and multilateralism. He underscored the strategic importance of the US to Vietnam and expressed optimism that the partnership would continue to thrive for the benefit of both nations.
President Biden extended condolences to Vietnam for the devastation caused by Typhoon Yagi and affirmed the US government’s commitment to supporting the country in its recovery. He congratulated Lâm on his new role and reiterated that the US views Vietnam as a top partner in the region. Biden recalled his visit to Vietnam in 2023, where he received a warm welcome and witnessed the elevation of bilateral ties to the highest level of cooperation, focused on peace, cooperation, and sustainable development.
The US President reaffirmed his country’s support for a strong, independent, and prosperous Vietnam, committing to further strengthening the partnership based on mutual respect. Both leaders expressed their satisfaction with the progress made in the comprehensive strategic partnership, which has contributed to regional peace, stability, and development.
Looking ahead, both sides agreed to work closely to ensure the effective implementation of the joint statement adopted last year, emphasizing cooperation in areas such as economy, trade, high technology, and human resource development. They also stressed the importance of enhancing discussions at all levels to maintain stable and effective bilateral relations.
On regional and international issues, the two leaders agreed to bolster cooperation through forums such as ASEAN, the Mekong-US Partnership, and the UN. Biden reiterated the US commitment to promoting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, respecting ASEAN’s central role, and supporting Vietnam’s growing influence in the region and the world.
He emphasized the US’s desire to collaborate closely with Vietnam on key issues, including upholding international law, ensuring freedom of navigation in the East Sea (South China Sea), combating climate change, and addressing regional and global challenges.
This meeting solidifies the deepening ties between Vietnam and the US, marking another milestone in their comprehensive strategic partnership.
