During the meeting, Secretary Blinken handed over a condolence letter from President Joe Biden to President To Lam, mourning the passing of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

In his letter, President Biden recalled the memorable first meeting with General Secretary Trong in Washington D.C. in 2015 and expressed pride in standing alongside him during his visit to Hanoi last year, marking the beginning of a new era of cooperation between the two nations.

"That event demonstrated the shared desire of our peoples for peace and prosperity for all. It also highlighted General Secretary Trong's determination to elevate US-Vietnam relations to the highest level of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership," President Biden emphasized.

"The United States will never forget General Secretary Trong's leadership. America fully supports a strong, independent, and resilient Vietnam, to which General Secretary Trong dedicated his entire life. As the great poet Nguyen Du wrote: 'Heaven still has its today/The mist is gone from the alley, the clouds clear from the sky,' General Secretary Trong played an irreplaceable role in dispelling the clouds that once overshadowed our relations over the past 50 years. We honor his memory by continuing his legacy and maintaining this vital partnership," Biden added.

Secretary Blinken expressed his sorrow over the loss of a visionary leader and appreciated General Secretary Trong's contributions to strengthening US-Vietnam relations and the friendship between the peoples of both countries.

President To Lam extended heartfelt gratitude to President Biden for his kind words and condolences. He noted that during his lifetime, General Secretary Trong greatly valued the development of relations with the US and often spoke fondly of President Biden.

Secretary Blinken shared that the passing of General Secretary Trong is a significant loss. The US government and people will always remember and honor General Secretary Trong's legacy in fostering relations between the two countries, especially in promoting reconciliation and building a future of peace, stability, and prosperity.

Secretary Blinken reaffirmed that the US values its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Vietnam and looks forward to close cooperation to deepen this important bilateral relationship. He expressed confidence that both sides will continue to enhance and nurture US-Vietnam relations, strengthening the friendship between the two peoples in accordance with General Secretary Trong's wishes.

President To Lam affirmed that Vietnam considers the US a strategically important partner and welcomes the continued US commitment to supporting a "strong, independent, resilient, and prosperous" Vietnam.

Secretary Blinken emphasized that the US views Vietnam as a key partner in the region. The US will continue to work with Vietnam to enhance cooperation in regional and international forums.

Later that evening, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh also met with Secretary Blinken.

Prime Minister Chinh thanked Secretary Blinken for representing President Biden and the US government in paying respects and offering condolences to General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong's family.

Secretary Blinken noted that General Secretary Trong was instrumental in fostering US-Vietnam relations and elevating them to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Prime Minister Chinh highlighted that thanks to the strategic vision and leadership of General Secretary Trong and President Biden, US-Vietnam relations have entered a significant new phase of development.

Secretary Blinken expressed satisfaction with the positive results achieved since the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership was implemented nearly a year ago, with both sides actively working on the Vietnam-US Joint Statement and Action Plan for 2023.

Looking ahead to the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2025, Prime Minister Chinh and Secretary Blinken agreed on the importance of increasing high-level exchanges and contacts. Both countries should focus on enhancing cooperation in economy, trade, investment, high technology, and semiconductor collaboration, while maximizing the potential for cooperation in training high-quality human resources.

Prime Minister Chinh emphasized the need for intensified cooperation to address the consequences of the war. He shared his recent experience visiting localities and meeting with Vietnamese war veterans and families on the occasion of War Invalids and Martyrs’ Day (July 27), witnessing firsthand the enduring impacts of war on families and future generations.

The Prime Minister urged the US to accelerate efforts to clear unexploded ordnance and decontaminate dioxin hotspots, and to support disabled individuals affected by the war. Vietnam will continue to fully and effectively cooperate in the search for US soldiers missing in action during the war.

The Prime Minister welcomed the United States' efforts to strengthen comprehensive and responsible cooperation in the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions, and its continued support for ASEAN's consensus, central role, and the principled stance of ASEAN and Vietnam on the East Sea issue.

Secretary Blinken reiterated US support for a strong, independent, resilient, and prosperous Vietnam, enhancing international integration and playing an increasingly important role in ASEAN, the region, and international cooperation.

Tran Thuong-Pham Hai