Creating the foundation and direction for the development of Vietnam - US relations

On the occasion of President Luong Cuong and his wife and the Vietnamese high-ranking delegation attending the high-level General Debate of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, combined with bilateral activities in the United States from September 21 to 24, a VNA reporter in Washington interviewed Vietnamese Ambassador to the United States Nguyen Quoc Dung about the outstanding achievements in the Vietnam-US relationship, as well as the areas of cooperation with the strongest potential for development in the coming time.

Vietnamese Ambassador to the United States Nguyen Quoc Dung. Photo: Doan Hung/VNA correspondent in the US

Ambassador, could you please tell us about the significance and importance of President Luong Cuong's attendance at the High-Level General Debate of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly and bilateral activities in the United States?

This year, the United Nations celebrates its 80th anniversary, an important milestone for the world's largest multilateral organization. President Luong Cuong's participation in the high-level general debate of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly demonstrates Vietnam's support for multilateralism and its respect for the United Nations. This is also an opportunity for Vietnam to affirm its role as an active and responsible member of the international community, to express its views and share development experiences, and to contribute practical initiatives and solutions to common issues of humanity such as peace , stability, sustainable development and response to climate change.

The President will also have many bilateral activities with the United States related to the fields of politics , economics, technology, culture and people-to-people exchange on the occasion of the two countries celebrating 30 years of normalization of diplomatic relations and two years of establishing the Vietnam-US comprehensive strategic partnership for peace, cooperation and sustainable development. These activities will contribute to maintaining stability and promoting comprehensive development of bilateral relations in the coming time.

Ambassador, could you tell us about the most outstanding achievements the two countries have made after two years of upgrading their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership?

The upgrading of relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership has created momentum and a framework for the bilateral relationship to develop and achieve many results, although during this time the United States has had a change of government and Vietnam has also had a change of leadership. Notably, mutual respect and concern have been enhanced. This is specifically demonstrated through the maintenance and expansion of communication channels at all levels, especially high-level contacts. There have been many meetings and phone calls between Vietnamese leaders and US Presidents, previously President Joe Biden and now President Donald Trump. In the past few months, there have been four phone calls between General Secretary To Lam and President Trump. High-level contacts have created the foundation and direction for the development of bilateral relations in all fields.

In terms of economy, trade and investment, the two countries have achieved remarkable results. Bilateral trade turnover continues to grow strongly, the United States continues to be Vietnam's leading export market. The United States gives high priority to reciprocal trade negotiations with Vietnam and the two sides will soon reach a high-level common understanding, guiding the specific negotiation process to ensure more sustainable and balanced trade. Vietnam continues to attract investment interest from US businesses, especially leading companies in technology, energy, and logistics, while more and more Vietnamese businesses want to invest in the United States.

Cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries have developed strongly, demonstrated through the growth in the number of international students and tourists, creating a bridge of deeper understanding between the two peoples.

According to the Ambassador, which areas of cooperation between Vietnam and the United States have the strongest potential for development in the coming time?

In the context of many fluctuations in the international and regional situation, as well as from the strengths and desires of the two countries, I believe that the areas with the most potential for development in the coming time are, first of all, economics, trade and science and technology. These are areas that are very suitable for our needs, orientations and development priorities in the new era, and at the same time, are also suitable for the goals and trends of ensuring diversification and sustainability of the US supply chain. This is an opportunity for Vietnam to become a reliable partner in global value chains, especially in the fields of technology, clean energy and sustainable development.

Second, culture and tourism are also areas with great potential. 2026 will be the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States, a good opportunity for the two countries to organize meaningful cultural activities. Vietnam is also promoting the development of creative industries, accessing the US market and learning from the US's experience will also have a positive impact on this aspect of development for our country.

Third is the field of education and training. Vietnam's need for developing high-quality human resources is great and the experience and advanced education of the United States are good features that we can combine more, contributing to improving the quality of training for our students and also contributing to enhancing mutual understanding between the people of the two countries.

Vietnamese Ambassador to the United States Nguyen Quoc Dung answers questions from VNA reporters. Photo: Doan Hung/VNA reporters in the US

Could you please share your expectations about the contributions of the Vietnamese community in the United States in promoting bilateral relations?

The Vietnamese community in the United States is growing stronger with many successful individuals in many fields, especially science and technology, playing an increasingly important role in the US political and social scene. Most generations of Vietnamese in the United States retain their affection for their homeland, turn to Vietnam, and wish to participate and contribute to the development of the country.

On that basis, I hope and expect that the Vietnamese community will continue to be an effective bridge, contributing more positively to promoting bilateral relations, through enhancing understanding and greater economic, cultural and educational ties between the people of the two countries.

Thank you very much, Ambassador!

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/thoi-su/tao-nen-tang-va-dinh-huong-cho-su-phat-trien-quan-he-viet-nam-hoa-ky-20250917101725008.htm