Vietnam's General Secretary and President, To Lam, is scheduled to participate in the Future Summit and high-level sessions of the 79th United Nations General Assembly in the United States. This marks the first instance of a Vietnamese head of state directly attending such senior meetings at the UN General Assembly.

Ahead of the trip, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bui Thanh Son, announced that this mission represents the first multilateral diplomatic engagement and official visit to the U.S. in To Lam's new capacity. He emphasized that this is a historic moment, as no previous Vietnamese General Secretary or President has attended high-level UN sessions in person.

Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son highlighted that these conferences occur amid significant global and United Nations transformations, presenting numerous challenges that require collective action.

Approximately 150 heads of state and government from member countries are expected to attend. The United Nations and the international community will collaborate to review and identify effective strategies to expedite the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, setting a major development agenda for the coming years.

At the United Nations, Mr. To Lam will deliver key messages supporting multilateralism and reaffirming the central role of the United Nations in maintaining peace, fostering cooperation, and promoting development.

This event provides Vietnam with another opportunity to reaffirm its independent, autonomous, and diversified foreign policy approach. It underscores Vietnam's proactive and positive integration into the international community.

Mr. To Lam's mission coincides with the one-year anniversary of the elevated Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and the United States. Additionally, both nations are actively preparing to commemorate 30 years of diplomatic relations in 2025.

Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son emphasized that this occasion is crucial for both parties to reflect on the achievements facilitated by the new partnership framework. It also serves as a platform to discuss strategic directions and measures to sustain growth in the years ahead.

Both sides will continue to adhere to the foundational principles of their bilateral relations, including respect for the United Nations Charter, international law, and mutual respect for each other's political institutions, independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. This commitment aims to further strengthen political trust and strategic confidence, ensuring the fulfillment of the aspirations of their peoples.

During the mission, Party Chief and President To Lam will engage in significant bilateral discussions with U.S. government leaders, attend events celebrating 30 years of diplomatic relations, and one year of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Additionally, To Lam will meet with top U.S. officials, business leaders, experts, and scholars.

Regarding Vietnam-U.S. relations, Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son noted the vibrant interactions and exchanges between the two nations. In addition to maintaining annual dialogue mechanisms, both countries have successfully launched new dialogue frameworks, thereby concretizing their commitments outlined in the 2023 Joint Statement.

Economic, trade, and investment ties remain a crucial driving force in the bilateral relationship. In the first eight months of 2024, bilateral trade turnover reached nearly $88 billion, marking a 22% increase. Major enterprises from both countries are actively expanding investments in each other's markets, fostering interwoven and robust interests.

Security and defense cooperation are being effectively implemented, with addressing the aftermath of war continuing as a priority and a key pillar. Security cooperation and law enforcement are increasingly strengthened, among other areas.

Both sides will continue to closely collaborate within multilateral mechanisms and forums, as well as engage in substantive cooperation to address global challenges.

The Deputy Prime Minister lauded the robust cooperation between Vietnam and the United Nations over the past nearly 50 years. From post-war reconstruction and economic rehabilitation to overcoming trade embargoes and gradually integrating into the global economy, Vietnam has consistently received support from the United Nations.

Vietnam has emerged as a reliable, proactive, and responsible partner within the international community. "We are increasingly participating actively and contributing substantively and extensively across all core areas of the United Nations, including peacekeeping, security, and development cooperation," Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son stated.

Vietnam has earned the trust and expectations of the international community, successfully holding numerous significant positions within the United Nations. UN leaders have consistently praised Vietnam's role and contributions, encouraging the nation to continue its active engagement in priority areas of the United Nations.

Tran Thuong