General Secretary To Lam on Friday received US Assistant Secretary of State Michael DeSombre on the occasion of his official visit to Vietnam.

Assistant Secretary DeSombre expressed sincere thanks to the General Secretary for taking the time to receive him, noting it was an honor to visit Vietnam. He conveyed President Donald Trump’s congratulations to General Secretary To Lam on his re-election and on the successful conclusion of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

General Secretary To Lam said the 14th Congress had concluded successfully, marking a milestone that opens a new stage of development for Vietnam. He conveyed his appreciation to President Donald Trump for sending a congratulatory letter on the success of the Congress.

Welcoming Assistant Secretary DeSombre’s visit, the General Secretary highly valued the role of the US Department of State in promoting the positive momentum of Vietnam - US relations in recent years.

Vietnam always considers the US one of its leading important partners and stands ready to strengthen comprehensive cooperation across fields for the benefit of the two peoples, contributing positively to peace, stability and prosperity in the region and the world.

The General Secretary affirmed that Vietnam will continue to consistently pursue an independent, self-reliant foreign policy of peace, friendship, cooperation and development, while diversifying and multilateralizing its external relations, acting as a responsible member of the international community and actively contributing to regional and global issues.

Assistant Secretary DeSombre shared that President Trump greatly appreciates General Secretary To Lam’s agreement to participate in the Gaza Peace Council initiative.

He affirmed that the US attaches importance to its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Vietnam, supports a strong, independent and prosperous Vietnam, and wishes to enhance cooperation with Vietnam at a strategic level in both bilateral relations and regional and international matters.

Assistant Secretary DeSombre expressed thanks and appreciation for the outcomes of his meetings with Vietnamese agencies and ministries during the visit, affirming that he would continue to contribute to advancing Vietnam - US relations in a substantive manner in the time ahead.

On Friday afternoon, Minister of Public Security General Luong Tam Quang also received US Assistant Secretary of State Michael DeSombre.

Minister Luong Tam Quang noted that after 30 years of normalization of relations and more than two years of implementing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, bilateral ties have made remarkable strides. The two countries have become a typical model in international relations for efforts to overcome the past and move toward building a cooperative and friendly future on the basis of shared interests, trust and mutual respect.

Regarding sectoral cooperation, collaboration between Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security and US security and law enforcement partners has expanded strongly in both breadth and depth. In September 2025, Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security and the US Department of State co-chaired the second Security and Law Enforcement Dialogue in the US. The two sides exchanged views on practical issues such as drug prevention and control, human trafficking, illegal immigration, cybersecurity cooperation and combating online fraud.

Minister Luong Tam Quang proposed that Michael DeSombre advise on implementing the Vietnam - US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in an even more substantive manner. The Ministry of Public Security expressed hope that the two countries would soon conclude negotiations on a reciprocal trade agreement with positive results.

Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security stands ready to strengthen cooperation with the US in combating transnational crime.

Assistant Secretary Michael DeSombre affirmed that he would continue to promote bilateral relations and sectoral cooperation between the Ministry of Public Security and US security and law enforcement partners to a new height.

Tran Thuong