A senior US diplomat has reaffirmed Washington's support for a stronger, more influential Vietnam, describing the country as a key regional and global partner during the ASEAN Future Forum 2026 in Hanoi.
At the ASEAN Future Forum 2026 (AFF) on June 10, US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau delivered the opening address of the morning session, reaffirming Washington's commitment to strengthening ties with both Vietnam and ASEAN.
Speaking on behalf of President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Landau described ASEAN as the world's most dynamic region and Vietnam as one of its most dynamic countries.
"During the first year of the administration, both President Trump and Secretary Rubio visited the region, demonstrating our commitment to ASEAN at both the multilateral and bilateral levels," he said.
US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau addresses the ASEAN Future Forum 2026.
Landau also reflected on his first visit to Vietnam, expressing admiration for the country's hospitality, Hanoi's vibrant atmosphere and the remarkable progress achieved in US-Vietnam relations.
"This is my first time in Vietnam, and I have been deeply moved by the warmth of the people, the energy of Hanoi and the tremendous strides our two countries have made - from former adversaries to friends," he said.
Recalling that he was only 12 years old during the period of conflict between the two nations, Landau said standing in Hanoi today felt "like a dream."
"The journey from conflict to friendship and partnership between the United States and Vietnam is truly remarkable. We have made significant progress, and I am proud to play a part in advancing this relationship," he added.
Today, Vietnam and the United States are Comprehensive Strategic Partners, with cooperation expanding across diplomacy, defense, security, law enforcement, economic ties and people-to-people exchanges - the foundation of long-term friendship between the two countries.
Landau reiterated Washington's support for Vietnam's development.
US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said Vietnam was the 30th country he had visited since taking office and that he greatly enjoyed the trip.
"The United States supports a strong, independent and prosperous Vietnam. This is not merely rhetoric. It is a guiding principle for our partnership, a pillar of our policies and programs," he said."The US-Vietnam partnership benefits the people of both nations, strengthens regional security and stability, and contributes to global prosperity."
The deputy secretary also stressed that Washington strongly supports Vietnam's readiness to take on a larger role in regional and international affairs.
He pointed to Vietnam's participation as a founding member of the Peace Council as evidenc e of the country's commitment to international peace and security.
"Vietnam is not only a key player in the region but truly a global partner," he said. "We support Vietnam's vision for ASEAN's role in the region, and the United States is committed to working with Vietnam bilaterally to advance our shared regional priorities."
Christopher Landau noted that Vietnam was the 30th country he had visited since becoming Deputy Secretary of State and said he had greatly enjoyed the trip.
Washington wants to be a strong partner and trusted friend of ASEAN
Director of the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam Nguyen Hung Son and US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau at the discussion session.
"The United States supports a strong, independent and prosperous Vietnam. This is not merely rhetoric. It is a guiding principle for our partnership, a pillar of our policies and programs," he said. "The US-Vietnam partnership benefits the people of both nations, strengthens regional security and stability, and contributes to global prosperity."
The deputy secretary also stressed that Washington strongly supports Vietnam's readiness to take on a larger role in regional and international affairs.
He pointed to Vietnam's participation as a founding member of the Peace Council as evidence of the country's commitment to international peace and security.
"Vietnam is not only a key player in the region but truly a global partner," he said. "We support Vietnam's vision for ASEAN's role in the region, and the United States is committed to working with Vietnam bilaterally to advance our shared regional priorities."
Christopher Landau noted that Vietnam was the 30th country he had visited since becoming Deputy Secretary of State and said he had greatly enjoyed the trip.
Washington wants to be a strong partner and trusted friend of ASEAN
Delegates, experts and speakers attend the forum's morning discussion session.
"The economic interests we share in this region are significant," he said, citing the presence of 6,000 US companies operating across Southeast Asia. ASEAN-linked business and investment activities support more than 625,000 jobs throughout the United States, while all 50 US states maintain trade relationships with ASEAN countries.
Landau noted that the United States had recently concluded reciprocal trade agreements with Malaysia and Indonesia and hoped to deepen economic cooperation with ASEAN based on fairness and balance.
He also highlighted energy security as a major area for collaboration, pointing to opportunities in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), liquefied natural gas (LNG) and nuclear energy.
On the digital economy and cybersecurity, Landau said Washington was proud to partner with ASEAN and supported efforts to conclude the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement for the benefit of businesses on both sides.
He argued that Southeast Asia's digital transformation would depend heavily on both digital infrastructure and reliable energy systems.
As a global leader in digital technology and artificial intelligence, the United States is eager to deepen cooperation in these fields, he added.
The deputy secretary also reaffirmed US support for peace and stability in the South China Sea, backing ASEAN's efforts to negotiate an effective Code of Conduct (COC) consistent with international law.
Another issue affecting regional security and prosperity is the proliferation of online scam centers, Landau said.
"We are committed to continuing close cooperation with ASEAN to combat these centers, protect victims and bring fraudsters to justice," he stated. "The United States is committed to further deepening its relationship with Vietnam and ASEAN across all areas of cooperation. We look forward to the future of this partnership."
Vietnamnet.vn
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