US reaffirms support for a strong, independent and prosperous Vietnam

US highlights Vietnam’s growing role in regional and global affairs

Speaking at the ASEAN Future Forum 2026 in Hanoi on June 10, Landau asserted support for Vietnam’s development has remained a consistent principle of US policy toward the Southeast Asian nation.

According to the US diplomat, this commitment is more than a symbolic statement and has served as a foundation for bilateral cooperation programmes and policies over the years.

The United States and Vietnam are Comprehensive Strategic Partners, and the partnership is making significant progress across all priority areas, including diplomacy, defence, security, law enforcement, economic cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges, he said.

Landau noted that the expanding relationship benefits not only the people of both countries but also contributes to regional peace, security and stability.

The US official praised Vietnam’s increasingly important role in regional and international affairs. He highlighted the country’s active participation in multilateral cooperation mechanisms, peacekeeping operations and initiatives, including its participation as a founding member of the Gaza Peace Council, aimed at promoting regional stability.

Vietnam is not only an important regional actor but also a global partner, Landau said.

His remarks marked the first participation of a senior US State Department official at the ASEAN Future Forum, a multilateral dialogue platform initiated by Vietnam.

ASEAN remains a key strategic partner

Landau also reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to ASEAN, describing the bloc as a vital strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific region.

According to him, Southeast Asia is one of the world's most dynamic regions and plays a critical role in global economic growth, security and prosperity.

Citing trade and investment figures, he noted that approximately 6,000 American firms currently operate in Southeast Asia, while ASEAN investments support more than 625,000 jobs across the United States.

As many as 50 US states maintain trade relations with ASEAN member countries, he revealed, adding the United States is seeking to expand its exports to ASEAN to rebalance trade.

In his view, while ASEAN has already established itself as a major exporting powerhouse, he noted that the continued growth of domestic markets across the region is creating new opportunities for increased imports from the United States.

Addressing regional security issues, Landau said the United States would continue working with ASEAN to maintain peace, stability and freedom of navigation in the East Sea, known internationally as South China Sea.

He also expressed support for ASEAN-led efforts to negotiate a Code of Conduct in the East Sea, underscoring that any agreement should be consistent with international law.

The remarks underscored Washington’s continued engagement with both Vietnam and ASEAN as part of broader efforts to promote a free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

Party and State leader To Lam receives ASEAN Future Forum delegates

VOV.VN - Party General Secretary and State President To Lam on June 9 received heads of delegations, experts, scholars and representatives of international organisations attending the ASEAN Future Forum (AFF) 2026 in Hanoi.