The message was delivered during Wicks' courtesy call on Prime Minister Le Minh Hung, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the Vietnam - US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Vietnam seeks deeper strategic cooperation

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung said Vietnam consistently regards the United States as one of its most important partners and supports Washington playing a constructive role in promoting peace, stability and prosperity in the region and globally.

He said Vietnam hopes to elevate the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to a new level for the benefit of both countries.

The prime minister encouraged Ambassador Wicks and the US Embassy to continue serving as a bridge between the two countries by promoting high-level exchanges and expanding practical cooperation with Vietnamese ministries, agencies and local authorities.

He also called for frank dialogue on remaining differences based on mutual respect, ensuring that outstanding issues do not impede the overall momentum of bilateral relations.

Focus on trade and investment

Economic and trade cooperation should remain balanced, sustainable and mutually beneficial, the prime minister said.

He urged both sides to promptly resolve outstanding issues and conclude negotiations on a reciprocal, fair and balanced trade agreement that would provide a stable framework for businesses to expand investment and commercial activities.

Le Minh Hung highlighted Vietnam's ongoing efforts to streamline administrative procedures and improve its legal framework to create a more transparent and business-friendly investment environment.

He said the government remains ready to listen to and address the legitimate concerns of US companies operating in Vietnam.

The prime minister also proposed expanding cooperation in law enforcement, humanitarian assistance, cybersecurity and efforts to combat transnational crime.

In addition, he called for broader collaboration in science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, education and workforce development.

Continued cooperation on war legacy issues

PM Le Minh Hung thanked the United States for its long-standing support in addressing the consequences of war and urged continued cooperation on dioxin remediation, unexploded ordnance clearance, assistance for people with disabilities, and the sharing of records, documentation and DNA identification technology to help locate and identify the remains of missing Vietnamese soldiers.

He also reaffirmed Vietnam's commitment to supporting efforts to account for US military personnel missing from the war.

Ambassador delivers Trump's message

Ambassador Wicks recalled the honour of meeting General Secretary and President To Lam and echoed his assessment that relations between Vietnam and the United States have never been stronger.

She said the United States highly values its relationship with Vietnam and conveyed a message from President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressing that the US is "proud to be Vietnam's partner." She also thanked Vietnam's senior leaders for their congratulations on the 250th anniversary of US Independence.

The ambassador said her priorities would align closely with those of President Trump while reflecting the shared interests of both countries.

She described economic and trade cooperation as the top priority of her tenure and expressed hope that both sides could maintain constructive dialogue and reach a high-standard, reciprocal and balanced trade agreement that creates new opportunities for investment and economic growth.

Wicks praised Vietnam's efforts to improve its legal framework and investment climate, pledging to work closely with Vietnamese authorities to advance specific cooperation projects and address outstanding issues in a constructive manner.

Expanding cooperation across multiple sectors

The ambassador said there remains significant potential for closer cooperation in maritime security, law enforcement and addressing transnational security challenges.

She reaffirmed the United States' commitment to war legacy cooperation, describing it as a humanitarian cornerstone of bilateral ties. She expressed support for expanding programmes on dioxin remediation, unexploded ordnance clearance, assistance for people with disabilities, identifying missing Vietnamese soldiers and repatriating the remains of missing US service members.

Wicks said she would work with relevant US agencies to sustain funding and attention for these programmes while strengthening coordination with Vietnamese ministries.

She also underscored the importance of expanding people-to-people exchanges, education, science and technology, and innovation. The ambassador expressed support for closer links between US and Vietnamese universities and for initiatives to improve English-language education in Vietnam.

Commending the Vietnamese government's leadership in advancing shared priorities, Wicks pledged to remain an active partner throughout her tenure and contribute to further strengthening bilateral relations.

Tran Thuong