Tô Lâm Urges Continued US Support for Post-War Recovery, Strengthened Comprehensive Partnership

Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: Party General Secretary Tô Lâm has called on the United States to continue supporting and expanding cooperation with Việt Nam in addressing post-war consequences, including dioxin cleanup, bomb and mine clearance, assistance for people with disabilities, and the search and identification of remains of Vietnamese soldiers missing during the war.

Speaking during a reception for US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth in Hà Nội on Sunday, General Secretary Lâm emphasized that these joint efforts carry profound humanitarian significance and serve as a vital foundation for healing past wounds, fostering goodwill, and building long-term trust between the two nations.

Welcoming Secretary Hegseth’s official visit — which coincides with the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 50th anniversary of the end of the Việt Nam War — the Party leader said the occasion marked a meaningful milestone in the two countries’ journey toward an increasingly trusted, substantive, and sustainable Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

On the occasion, General Secretary Lâm conveyed his greetings to US President Donald Trump and extended an invitation for the President and First Lady to visit Việt Nam in the near future.

He reaffirmed Việt Nam’s consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, diversification, and multilateralisation, grounded in respect for international law and a commitment to peace, cooperation, and development. Việt Nam, he said, always considers the US one of its most important partners and seeks to further strengthen bilateral ties across multiple sectors for the benefit of both peoples.

Commending President Trump’s efforts to promote peace and resolve international conflicts, the Vietnamese leader affirmed Việt Nam’s readiness to play an active and responsible role in contributing to solutions for global and regional challenges.

He also praised the outcome of Secretary Hegseth’s talks with Vietnamese Minister of National Defence Phan Văn Giang, noting that defence cooperation has become a key pillar of bilateral relations. He urged both sides to continue advancing practical and mutually respectful defence collaboration based on respect for independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, thereby enhancing strategic trust and contributing to regional peace and stability.

For his part, Secretary Hegseth expressed his honor in visiting Việt Nam — a nation playing an increasingly significant role in the Indo-Pacific region. Conveying President Trump’s greetings, he commended General Secretary Lâm’s leadership in shaping the Việt Nam–US relationship and extended sympathy over recent flood losses in north-central Việt Nam.

Hegseth reiterated that the US values its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Việt Nam and supports a strong, independent, resilient, and prosperous Việt Nam. He said the US aims to enhance strategic cooperation both bilaterally and regionally, particularly in countering transnational crime, maritime security, humanitarian assistance, officer training, UN peacekeeping, and disaster response.

The Secretary also reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to helping Việt Nam strengthen its defence capabilities, modernise its defence industry, and expand high-quality personnel training programmes.

Highlighting the ongoing progress of post-war remediation efforts, including dioxin cleanup projects at Biên Hoà and Đà Nẵng airports, Hegseth described these initiatives as vivid symbols of reconciliation and partnership. He pledged continued coordination with the Vietnamese Ministry of Defence to complete current projects and explore new areas of cooperation aligned with both sides’ priorities and capacities.

Both sides agreed on the importance of maintaining high-level exchanges and regular dialogues between their defence agencies — particularly between the Vietnamese Ministry of Defence and the US Department of War — to deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and contribute to global and regional peace, stability, and development.

Concluding the meeting, General Secretary Lâm underscored the need for sustained cooperation grounded in mutual respect, equality, and shared benefit. He expressed confidence that with the strong resolve of both countries’ leaders, Việt Nam–US relations will continue to advance into a new era of substantive cooperation and sustainable growth.