Vietnam and US lift ties to comprehensive strategic partnership

The agreement was reached during high-level talks in Hanoi on September 10 between Vietnamese Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and US President Joe Biden who arrived in Hanoi on the same day for a two-day State visit to Vietnam.

The two leaders noted with satisfaction the positive development of Vietnam – US relations over the years, and said the lifting of bilateral ties would bring benefits to the two countries and the world in general.

They emphasized the need to fully respect guiding principles that define Vietnam – US relations over the years, considering this the most important factor for the development of bilateral relations. Among the principles, the two countries fully respect the United Nations Charter and international law, as well as political institutions, independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of one another.

Trong reminded that the specific motto for the development of Vietnam-US relations is breaking with the past, overcoming differences, promoting similarities, and looking towards the future. He highly appreciated the US supporting a strong, independent, self-reliant and prosperous Vietnamese nation.

He proposed that both countries continue to promote mutual understanding and implement those guiding principles to maintain long-term stability of the relations, while increasing visit exchanges, cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.

The Party leader welcomed the strengthening of economic - trade - investment cooperation and inclusive economic growth towards innovation, considering this the central foundation and driving force for the two countries’ relations and cooperation. He also encouraged breakthroughs to be made in bilateral cooperation in science and technology.

The Party leader reiterated the consistent foreign policy of Vietnam and highly appreciated the US supporting the stance of Vietnam and ASEAN regarding the East Sea issue. He proposed that the US continue to support and actively contribute to peace, security and cooperation, while ensuring freedom of navigation and overflight as well as the legitimate interests of countries in the East Sea.

He once again stressed the need for relevant parties to resolve disputes by peaceful means, implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and soon sign an effective Code of Conduct (COC) in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Biden for his part spoke highly of Vietnam’s active role in addressing regional and global issues, including climate change. He voiced his strong support for Vietnam’s development achievements in recent times, especially in the development of the electronics industry, climate change response and clean energy.

The President also affirmed his support for ASEAN’s central role, and his desire to cooperate with Vietnam to contribute to ASEAN’s solidarity and prosperity. He reaffirmed the US position on the East Sea, emphasizing that the East Sea has an important position in international prosperity and stability. The President also spoke of the US’ importance to the goals of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF).

The two leaders agreed that the important results of the talks and the Vietnam visit by President Joe Biden would contribute positively to the development of bilateral relations in the new period, in the interest of the two peoples, for peace, stability and sustainable development.

After the talks, the two leaders hosted a press briefing on the results of their talks.