Vietnam-US relationship enters a new height

At the invitation of the US administration, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam's Central Committee (CPVCC) Nguyen Phu Trong will pay an official visit to the US from July 6-10. This is an important event as it is the first time a General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam will visit the US, taking place at a time while the two countries are celebrating 20 years of bilateral diplomatic ties, as well as two years of their comprehensive partnership status.

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong

The visit is organised in the context of various new global developments. Major countries are consolidating their power, influence, and cooperation. The US is deploying its re-balancing strategy in the Asia – Pacific whilst intensifying its presence in the region. Other countries are paying attention to the world leader’s cooperation with Vietnam.

The US continues its soft external policy whilst paying attention to multi-lateral mechanisms and alliances, as well as enhancing the partnership and establishing new international economic cooperation to support trade, economic recovery and the early closure of the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP). The US economy is recovering and its GDP growth rate is expected to reach 3.1% this year. With the 2016 Presidential Election in sight, there are complicated movements in US politics, however the external re-balancing policy has received consensus from both parties, and the US has affirmed its support of the ASEAN community in addition to the settlement of disputes by peaceful means, in accordance with international laws.

Vietnam and the US established diplomatic relations on July 12, 1995; the past 20 years have seen innumerable achievements of their cooperation. The US appreciates Vietnam’s geo-political position and role in the South-East Asian region. The two countries established comprehensive partnership in 2013 on the occasion of the Vietnam Presidential visit to the US, bringing with it a new phase of cooperation. The two countries continue to maintain high level exchanges and measures in order to build confidence in the bilateral relationship.

Economically, cooperation has been extremely active. The US is Vietnam’s biggest importer, and two-way trade revenue has increased by 20% annually. The US is Vietnam’s 7th biggest investor with approximately US$11 billion in funding. There are several remaining issues, including some cases on subsidies and anti-dumping. Security and defence cooperation has been an area of priority, and there are positive signs in all other areas of mutual concern.

The two countries have also cooperated at international and regional forums, such as the UN, APEC, ARF, ADMM+, EAS, and many more, co-operation has been seen especially in maritime security, ASEAN integration and consolidation, and the ASEAN – US relationship.

The past 20 years have seen impressive developments in Vietnam – US bilateral relations. With their future oriented mentality, both countries are looking beyond the past to shape a brighter future. The General Secretary’s visit to the US is a milestone in bilateral relations, with national and international significance. The meeting between leaders of the two former enemies, with two different political systems, will be an important opportunity to direct future cooperation, to foster understanding and friendship, and deepen the comprehensive partnership, as well as to share views on national, regional and international issues.

The visit is a continuation of the Vietnamese Party and State’s external policy of peace, independence, self-reliance, friendship and cooperation, multilateralisation and diversification, with attention paid to major countries and pending international relations. It also aims to show Vietnam’s role as a responsible partner in international community, and to raise Vietnam’s international position.

We hope that the visit will be an overall success, thus contributing to raising the comprehensive partnership between Vietnam and the US to a new height, and to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the wider world.

(Source: nhandan.org.vn)