Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong (R) and President Joseph Biden (Photo: VNA)Hanoi (VNA) – Leaders of Vietnam and the US have issued a Joint Leaders’ Statementon elevating the Vietnam-US ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership onthe occasion of President Joseph Biden’s State visit to Vietnam from September 10-11.
Thefollowing is the full text of the statement.
JOINT LEADERS’ STATEMENT: ELEVATING UNITED STATES-VIETNAM RELATIONS TO A COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP
On September 10, 2023, General Secretary of the CommunistParty of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong and President of the UnitedStates Joseph R. Biden Jr. met and held talks in Hanoi, Vietnam. The twoLeaders hailed a historic new phase of bilateral cooperation and friendship byelevating their nations’ relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnershipfor the purposes of peace, cooperation, and sustainable development. The UnitedStates supports a strong, independent, prosperous, and resilient Vietnam.
The talks between Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and US President Joseph Biden on September 10. (Photo: VNA)In the ten years since President Truong Tan Sang andPresident Barack Obama formed the Vietnam–U.S. Comprehensive Partnership, thetwo countries have made remarkable strides in increasing mutual understanding,building mutual trust, and strengthening cooperation across all areas of theComprehensive Partnership. Under this new framework, the Leaders underscoredthe fundamental principles guiding Vietnam–U.S. relations, including respectfor the United Nations Charter, international law, and respect for each other’spolitical system, independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. Vietnamand the United States will continue to deepen cooperation in the followingareas to ensure the interests of the people of both countries and contribute topeace, stability, cooperation, and prosperity in the region and in the world.
Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and US President Joseph Biden at the press briefing following their talks (Photo: VNA)POLITICAL AND DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS
The two Leaders underscored the need to continue deepeningpolitical and diplomatic relations, and will promote regular exchanges ofdelegations and engagements at all levels to strengthen mutual understandingand build and enhance political trust. The Leaders supported improving theeffectiveness of current dialogue mechanisms and intend to establish an annualdialogue between Vietnam’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and the U.S. Secretaryof State. The Leaders pledged to further promote relations between thetwo countries’ political parties and legislative bodies, including byencouraging dialogue and discussion between these bodies on priorities and eachcountry’s practical experiences. The two Leaders will direct their governmentagencies to cooperate and effectively implement the cooperation programs asdetermined by both countries. Both countries affirm to maintain favorable conditionsto complete the construction of their diplomatic and consular facilities, and ensureboth sides can efficiently staff those facilities in accordance with internationalconventions to which both countries are parties, bilateral agreements between Vietnamand the United States, and the respective laws of Vietnam and the United States.
ECONOMIC, TRADE, AND INVESTMENT COOPERATION
The two Leaders reaffirmed the importance of economic, trade,and investment cooperation and innovation-driven inclusive economic growth asthe core foundations and sources of momentum in the bilateral relationship.Both sides pledged to create favorable conditions and facilitate the furtheropening of markets for each other’s goods and services, support trade andeconomic policy, and regulatory measures to achieve this aim; and to addressissues such as market access barriers via the Trade and Investment FrameworkAgreement. The United States applauds Vietnam’s progress in significantmarket-based economic reforms, and affirms its enthusiasm and commitment for abroad, strengthened, supportive, and constructive engagement with Vietnam inits transition to a market economy, and subsequently to market economy country status, under U.S. law. The United States noted Vietnam officially requested thereview of its market economy status on September 8, 2023. The United States will review Vietnam’srequest as expeditiously as possible, in accordance with U.S. law. TheUnited States appreciates Vietnam’s ongoing efforts to further modernize andenhance the transparency of its monetary policy and exchange rate managementframework, to promote macroeconomic stability, and to ensure the safety andsoundness of the banking system.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (second from right) and Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo (second from left) at the ceremony to present investment and business registration certificates to Son My LNG port warehouse company limited on May 11, 2022 (Photo: VNA)The Leaders will continue strengthening anon-discriminatory, open, fair, inclusive, equitable, transparent and rules-basedmultilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization at its core. Bothsides applauded the progress thus far and look forward to additionalsubstantial progress in the near future under the Indo-Pacific EconomicFramework for Prosperity (IPEF), which will deliver concrete benefits to theeconomies, workers, families, and businesses of the two countries and theregion.
The Leadersacknowledged the importance of respect for internationally recognized laborrights based on the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights atWork. Furthermore, the Leaders intend to accelerate cooperation onstrengthening intellectual property rights and aviation, including throughnegotiations to amend the U.S.-Vietnam Air Transport Agreement under Open Skiesprinciples.
VinFast Auto Ltd rings the bell to officially commence trading of its share on the Nasdaq Global Select Market. (Photo: VNA)The United States pledged further support for Vietnam in manufacturing,high quality digital and physical infrastructure development, just energytransition, sustainable and smart agriculture, and broader and sustainedparticipation in regional and global supply chains, with a particular emphasison Vietnam’s Mekong Delta region. To that end, the U.S. InternationalDevelopment Financial Corporation (DFC) intends to continue to finance privatesector projects in Vietnam’s infrastructure, climate and energy efficiency, healthcare,and small business sectors, including climate-focused and women-ownedenterprises.
SCIENCE,TECHNOLOGY, INNOVATION, AND DIGITAL COOPERATION
Vietnamand the United States decided to strengthen science, technology, and digital innovationcooperation, regarding this as a new breakthrough of the ComprehensiveStrategic Partnership. The United States affirmed its commitment to increasingsupport for Vietnam in the training and development of a high-tech workforce.Acknowledging Vietnam’s tremendous potential as a major player in thesemiconductor industry, the two Leaders pledged to support the rapiddevelopment of Vietnam’s semiconductor ecosystem and to work together energeticallyto improve Vietnam’s position in the global semiconductor supply chain. Towardthis end, the United States and Vietnam announced the launch of semiconductorworkforce development initiatives – supported by initial seed funding of $2million from the U.S. government, in conjunction with future Vietnamese governmentand private sector support.
Vietnam and the United States pledged to comprehensivelycooperate in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship.
The two Leaders applauded the promotion of secure andreliable digital infrastructure in Vietnam, affirming its potential to providenew opportunities for digital capability enhancement to Vietnamese innovatorsto expand the growth of Vietnam’s digital economy. These efforts willaim to include support for open and interoperable network architectures includingthrough exploring the launch of an Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN traininglab) in Vietnam, secure 5G, and adoption of emerging technologies toprovide new digital upskilling opportunities to Vietnamese innovators, subjectto congressional notification.
The Leaders underscored the importance of continuedcollaboration between leading academic institutions in the United States and Vietnam,including through joint research initiatives, training courses, fellowships, andexchange programs focused on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)fields.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING COOPERATION
TheUnited States announced concrete plans to assist Vietnam in training ahigh-quality workforce, contributing to the achievement of Vietnam’s futuredevelopment goals. The United States welcomes the nearly 30,000 Vietnamesestudents studying in the United States and will encourage American educationalinstitutions to accept a greater number of Vietnamese students. The two Leadersoffered congratulations on the launch of Peace Corps operations in Vietnam andthe 31st anniversary of the Fulbright Vietnam program. They applauded the workof Fulbright University Vietnam (FUV) and its growing role as a regional hubfor public policy training, recognizing the vital importance of investing inhuman capital as a critical resource for future prosperity, security,stability, and development.
TheUnited States and Vietnam recognized that enduring prosperity can only beachieved if our people have ample opportunities to learn new skills, exchangeideas, and gain international experience and understanding. Accordingly, the United States and Vietnamwill encourage the opening of the doors to their universities and laboratoriesin order to share best practices, scientific advances, and educationalopportunities with each other, with a focus on supporting increasing numbers ofVietnamese students, teachers, scholars, and researchers participating intraining and educational programs in the United States. Vietnam also welcomesthe increasing number of U.S. students, scholars, and professors who arestudying, researching, and teaching in Vietnamese higher-educationinstitutions, and encourages U.S. universities to build partnerships withVietnamese higher education institutions, to include opening campuses inVietnam.
CLIMATE, ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT, AND HEALTH COOPERATION
The United States and Vietnam will coordinate: in the Mekongand Red River Deltas; multi-sector adaptation to climate change; pollutionreduction, and voluntary technical assistance for modernized transmissioninfrastructure, renewable energy integration, climate market development,energy storage solutions, and the improvement of regulatory framework to enablea speedy and just energy transition. The Leaders recognized theimportance of working together, and with experts outside of government, toadvance low-emissions, climate-resilient agriculture, biodiversityconservation, pollution reduction, and the resilience of vulnerable communities,including through disaster preparedness efforts. The United States supports Vietnam’sefforts to increase clean energy production.
PresidentBiden applauded Vietnam’s climate commitments under its Just Energy TransitionPartnership (JETP), as well as Vietnam’s 2050 net zero greenhouse emissionstarget. General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong welcomed the U.S. contribution tomobilizing public and private financing for Vietnam’s JETP and cooperation withthe international community to ensure its successful implementation whileensuring national energy sovereignty, security and affordability. The UnitedStates committed to assisting Vietnam with both finance and advanced climate technologyto fulfill its international climate commitments. Vietnam welcomes projects fundedby international financial institutions, including the World Bank, in the areasof climate change response, energy transition, green growth, and renewableenergy infrastructure.
Thetwo sides commended 25 years of the U.S. Center for Disease Control andPrevention (U.S. CDC) in Vietnam and welcomed the 2021 establishment of theU.S. CDC’s Regional Office in Hanoi, as well as Vietnam’s commitment to developa Vietnam National CDC. The Leaders acknowledge the contributions of U.S. Vietnamcooperation in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and affirm to expand healthsecurity collaboration by working together on pandemic prevention, detection,and response, and other global disease threats. The Leaders affirmed theimportance of cooperation on addressing disease threats at the human-animalinterface, maintaining progress on immunization coverage, and supporting publichealth functions, such as laboratory science and One Health workforce training.The United States affirmed its support for HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis preventionand control programs, including through assisting Vietnam’s critical medicalfacilities, such as Bach Mai and Cho Ray hospitals, with an aim to achieve fullysustainable epidemic control of HIV and put an end to the tuberculosis epidemicby 2030, in line with Vietnam’s global commitments and national plans. TheUnited States supports Vietnam’s efforts to expand its domestic pharmaceuticalsector as part of global health security cooperation; and in this regard,expresses willingness to strengthen cooperation to increase compatibility ofregulatory frameworks so that Vietnam can play an active role in regional andinternational medical supply chains.
ADDRESSING WAR LEGACIES
The Leaders commended closecooperation between the two countries to overcome the consequences of war,regarding this as a priority in bilateral relations that contributes to thebuilding of mutual trust and understanding.
Major General Bui Anh Chung, Deputy Commander of the Air Defence – Air Force Service and Deputy Administrator of the US Agency for International at the land handover ceremony for the Dioxin Remediation at Bien Hoa Airbase Area Project on November 1, 2019 (Photo: VNA)The United States and Vietnamaffirmed a commitment to completion of dioxin remediation at Bien Hoa Airport,expanding unexploded ordnance removal efforts, expanding support for personswith disabilities, regardless of cause, assisting in capacity building for theVietnam National Mine Action Center, including integrating Provincial andNational efforts on mine action, and maintaining support for Vietnam inaccounting for Vietnamese missing and fallen soldiers from the war, includingfurther supporting its DNA analysis capability.
PresidentBiden extended the gratitude of the American people for Vietnam’s enduringsupport for the accounting of and seeking remains of American personnel missingin action. Vietnam affirmed to continue full cooperation in search of Americanmissing personnel.
The 161st repatriation ceremony of remains of US servicemen who went missing during the war in Vietnam takes place at Da Nang International Airport on June 27, 2023. (Photo: VNA)
CULTURE, PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE TIES, SPORTS, AND TOURISM
TheLeaders applauded the robust growth of people-to-people exchanges and will worktogether to promote two-way tourism, business cooperation, professional andacademic exchanges, and study opportunities. Both sides intend to seek toincrease cooperation between states in the United States and provinces inVietnam in a substantive and effective manner, with concrete projects andprograms; to strengthen ties among different communities, sectors, businesses,youth, and people’s organizations of the two countries via exchanges ofdelegations, joint conferences andcultural exchanges in arts, music, and sport; and to collaborate in organizingactivities on the anniversaries of bilateral relations.
Thetwo Leaders appreciated the substantial contribution of the Vietnamesecommunity in the United States to the development of bilateral relations.President Biden firmly recognized the Vietnamese-American community as amongthe most successful, dynamic, and innovative in the United States.
DEFENSE AND SECURITY
President Biden congratulated Vietnam on its importantcontributions to global peace and stability, including Vietnam’s participationin United Nations peacekeeping operations, as well as for providing search andrescue and disaster response capabilities to address natural disasters in theworld. Both sides intend to continue utilizing the established dialogue andconsultation mechanisms between the U.S. Department of Defense and Vietnam’sMinistry of Defense, as well as between other agencies and ministries, and tocooperate effectively in humanitarian and constructive efforts such asaddressing war legacies, military medicine, United Nations peacekeepingoperations, maritime law enforcement and maritime security capacity, and otherareas of mutual interest, in line with existing agreements and understandingsbetween Leaders of both countries and their agencies.
Bothsides underscored the importance of strengthening cooperation between lawenforcement and criminal justice agencies; decided to deepen ongoingcooperation on law enforcement and security intelligence; collaborate andexchange information and experiences to increase the effectiveness of maritimecooperation and efforts to counter transnational crimes, piracy, moneylaundering, human trafficking, illegal trafficking of narcotics and precursorchemicals, cybercrime, and high-tech crime. The Leaders decided to establish aLaw Enforcement and Security Dialogue track between relevant law enforcement,security, and intelligence agencies. Both countries condemn terrorism and violentextremism in all of its forms and pledge to work together to counter terrorismand terrorist financing in accordance with the UN Charter and other relevantinternational agreements to which both are Parties.
TheLeaders welcome further cooperation in defense industry and defense trade inaccordance with each side’s conditions, through mutually agreed mechanisms. TheUnited State is committed to continuing to assist Vietnam to develop itsself-reliant defense capabilities in accordance with the needs of Vietnam andestablished mechanisms.
PROMOTION AND PROTECTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS
The Leaders affirmed the importance of promoting andprotecting human rights in accordance with each country’s constitution andinternational obligations. Both countries pledged continued support for thepromotion and protection of human rights, including through frank andconstructive dialogues such as the annual Vietnam - U.S. Human Rights Dialogueand Vietnam - U.S. Labor Dialogue, to strengthen mutual understandings andnarrow differences. They encouraged further cooperation to ensure thateveryone, including members of vulnerable groups, regardless of their gender,race, religion, or sexual orientation, and including persons with disabilities,fully enjoy their human rights. The United States and Vietnam noted humanrights, regional stability, global peace, and sustainable development aremutually reinforcing. Both sides recognized the contributions that social andreligious organizations continue to make in such fields as education, healthcare, and social services in both countries.
COORDINATION ON REGIONAL AND GLOBAL ISSUES
Bothnations intend to enhance coordination on regional and global issues of mutualconcern and interest, contributing to the joint efforts to maintain peace,stability, cooperation, and development in the region and throughout the word.Both sides pledged to enhance coordination and collaboration in regional andinternational fora such as the United Nations, the Asia-Pacific EconomicCooperation (APEC), the East Asia Summit (EAS), the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF),and the ASEAN Defense Ministerial Meeting Plus (ADMM Plus), as well as thebroad range of ASEAN-related sectoral Ministerial meetings. The two sidessupported the promotion of multilateralism, respect for international law, includingthe United Nations Charter, and the promotion of an open, inclusive regionalarchitecture in which ASEAN plays a central role. Vietnam appreciates theUnited States’ strong support for ASEAN centrality and the ASEAN Outlook on theIndo-Pacific.
GeneralSecretary Nguyen Phu Trong welcomed the United States’ renewed commitment toASEAN, as reflected in the newly established ASEAN-U.S Comprehensive StrategicPartnership and the 2022 ASEAN-U.S Special Summit in Washington, D.C. PresidentBiden highly valued ASEAN’s achievements and reiterated the United States’respect for ASEAN centrality. The Leaders also applauded Indonesia’s 2023 ASEANChairmanship and welcomed Lao PDR’s assumption of the ASEAN Chairmanship in2024. General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong welcomed the United States’ role asthe host of this year’s APEC forum. President Biden looks forward to welcomingPresident Vo Van Thuong to San Francisco for the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week inNovember.
TheLeaders underscored their unwavering support for the peaceful resolution ofdisputes in accordance with international law, without the threat or use offorce, as well as freedom of navigation and overflight and unimpeded lawfulcommerce in the South China Sea (East Sea), respect for sovereignty, and for sovereignrights and jurisdiction of coastal states over their exclusive economic zonesand continental shelves in accordance with the international law of the sea asreflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The Leadersrecognized the importance of the full and effective implementation of the 2002Declaration of the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (East Sea) in its entirety,and reaffirmed their support for ASEAN efforts to conclude an effective andsubstantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (East Sea), one that is in accordancewith international law, including the1982 UNCLOS and does not prejudice therights of any state under international law.
Thetwo Leaders underscored the critical importance of the Mekong sub-region inmaintaining stability, peace, prosperity, cooperation, and sustainabledevelopment. Transboundary cooperation and sustainable development are crucialas the two countries jointly address new challenges and opportunities includingfood security and sustainable water management, supporting communities andtheir livelihoods, promoting economic connectivity, tackling non-traditionalsecurity issues, and working to provide opportunities for human resourcedevelopment. Both sides welcomed the Mekong - U.S. Partnership and otherMekong-centered mechanisms such as the Mekong River Commission and theAyeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS). TheLeaders committed to working closely with other Mekong countries towardexpanded collaboration within this framework, as well as in the Friends of theMekong.
The Leaders stressed the importanceof the full implementation of the ASEAN Five Point Consensus and echo ASEAN’scalls for the immediate cessation of violence and de-escalation among allconcerned parties in Myanmar in order to create conducive environment for thedelivery of humanitarian assistance and inclusive national dialogue.
Both Leaders discussed otherregional and international issues of mutual concern and underscored theimportance of the peaceful resolution of all disputes in accordance with theUnited Nations Charter, seeking to ensure people’s safety and the protection ofinfrastructure critical to their livings.
TheUnited States and Vietnam reaffirmed support for the establishment of a durablepeace on and the complete denuclearization of the Korean peninsula, and urged allparties concerned to fully and strictly fulfill their international obligationsand commitments, including under relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
On Ukraine, the two leadersemphasized the need for establishing a comprehensive, just, and durable peacein accordance with the UN Charter and international law.
Sincenormalization of bilateral relations in 1995, the Vietnam-U.S. relationship hasflourished vigorously and fruitfully, growing both in depth and substance. Thisnew chapter will bring our partnership to new heights. Together, we willrealize the aspirations of the people of our countries for a bright and dynamicfuture that contributes to the maintenance of peace, stability, cooperation anddevelopment across a crucial region and the world at large./.
