On the afternoon of November 2, General Secretary To Lam received US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, who is on an official visit to Vietnam.
General Secretary To Lam welcomed the visit, describing it as a symbol of the long journey the two countries have undertaken to build today’s strong, reliable, and sustainable Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
He extended his greetings to President Donald Trump and conveyed an invitation for the President and First Lady to visit Vietnam soon.
The General Secretary affirmed that Vietnam considers the United States one of its most important partners and expressed his wish to further deepen cooperation across all fields for the benefit of both nations.
He praised President Trump’s efforts to promote peace and resolve global conflicts and stated Vietnam is willing to serve as a responsible and active bridge for peace, helping find solutions to regional and international issues.
General Secretary To Lam expressed his desire to enhance substantive defense cooperation, based on mutual respect for independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, in line with Vietnam’s foreign and defense policies. He noted such cooperation would build strategic trust and contribute to regional peace and stability.
General Secretary To Lam receives US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. Photo: VNA
He also called on the U.S. to continue supporting Vietnam in post-war recovery, including dioxin remediation, unexploded ordnance clearance, support for people with disabilities, and the search and identification of Vietnamese soldiers missing in action.
He emphasized that these humanitarian efforts are not only acts of reconciliation but also the foundation for healing past wounds, building goodwill, and paving the way for long-term cooperation.
Secretary Pete Hegseth expressed his honor in visiting Vietnam - a country with growing importance in the Indo-Pacific region.
He conveyed President Donald Trump’s greetings to General Secretary To Lam and recognized the General Secretary’s leadership in advancing U.S.-Vietnam relations.
The U.S. values its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Vietnam and supports a strong, independent, and prosperous Vietnam. Secretary Hegseth emphasized the desire to elevate bilateral and regional cooperation, particularly in combating transnational crime, maritime security, humanitarian assistance, officer training, U.N. peacekeeping, and disaster response.
He reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to supporting Vietnam in defense capacity building, modernizing its defense industry, and expanding human resource training programs.
The Secretary noted the two nations’ joint success in post-war recovery projects, including dioxin remediation at Bien Hoa and Da Nang airports, describing them as powerful symbols of reconciliation and cooperation.
General Secretary To Lam believes the two countries are entering a new era of practical and sustainable cooperation. Photo: VNAPhoto: VNA
The U.S. Department of War will continue close coordination with Vietnam’s Ministry of National Defense to complete ongoing projects and expand collaboration in areas aligned with both sides’ capabilities and priorities.
General Secretary To Lam urged both countries to maintain the spirit of cooperation based on mutual respect, equality, and shared benefits, for the long-term interest of their peoples.
President Luong Cuong calls for expanded cooperation
President Luong Cuong receives U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. Photo: VNA
Later the same afternoon, President Luong Cuong also received Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The President reaffirmed Vietnam’s consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralism, and diversification. He emphasized that Vietnam is a trusted friend and partner, and an active, responsible member of the international community.
Vietnam adheres to its "four no's" defense policy and contributes actively to regional and global peace, stability, and cooperation.
President Luong Cuong at the reception. Photo: VNA
U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth at the reception. Photo: VNA
Delegates at the reception. Photo: VNA
President Luong Cuong welcomed the outcomes of the talks between Secretary Hegseth and Vietnam’s Defense Minister Phan Van Giang, especially both sides’ agreement to strengthen dialogue, consultation, and delegation exchanges in defense cooperation.
He called for continued collaboration in identifying and repatriating the remains of Vietnamese and U.S. soldiers missing from the war, and for greater support for Vietnamese victims of war.
He also asked the U.S. to coordinate the upcoming official visit of President Donald Trump to Vietnam, viewing it as a historic milestone that will further energize strategic cooperation between the two nations.
Secretary Hegseth expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome by Vietnam’s Party, State, and Defense leaders.
He reiterated that the U.S. values its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Vietnam and recognizes Vietnam’s rising role in regional and global affairs. He pledged to continue advancing bilateral defense ties.
The U.S. supports a strong, independent, and prosperous Vietnam, which it sees as essential to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
The Secretary affirmed continued U.S. support for Vietnam’s post-war recovery efforts, including unexploded ordnance clearance, dioxin remediation, and the identification of missing soldiers.
He expressed interest in expanding cooperation in defense industry, maritime security, training, and capacity building in key areas of mutual concern.
Both sides voiced support for ASEAN’s common position on the East Sea, particularly the principles of ensuring freedom and safety of navigation and overflight, and resolving disputes peacefully based on international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Vietnamnet.vn
Podcast
.svg){kind=icon}
