Brian Jeffrey
During their meeting, Secretary Blinken presented President To Lam with a letter of condolences from President Joe Biden, grieving the loss of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.
In his message, President Biden reminisced about his first encounter with General Secretary Trong in Washington D.C. in 2015, expressing his pride in their collaboration during Trong’s visit to Hanoi the previous year, which signaled a new chapter of cooperation between the two nations.
“That event showcased our people’s shared aspirations for peace and prosperity for all. It underscored General Secretary Trong’s commitment to elevating US-Vietnam relations to the highest level of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” emphasized President Biden.
“We will forever remember General Secretary Trong’s guidance. The United States wholeheartedly backs a robust, independent, and resilient Vietnam, a cause to which General Secretary Trong devoted his life. In the words of the esteemed poet Nguyen Du: ‘Heaven still has its today/The mist is gone from the alley, the clouds clear from the sky,’ General Secretary Trong played an unmatched role in dispelling the shadows that loomed over our relations in the past 50 years. We pay tribute to his legacy by upholding and fostering this crucial partnership,” added Biden.
Secretary Blinken expressed his condolences for the loss of a visionary leader and acknowledged General Secretary Trong’s efforts in strengthening US-Vietnam ties and the camaraderie between both nations.
President To Lam conveyed sincere appreciation to President Biden for his kind sentiments and sympathies. He highlighted General Secretary Trong’s deep commitment to advancing relations with the US and his fondness for President Biden during his lifetime.
Secretary Blinken stated that General Secretary Trong’s passing represents a significant loss. The US government and its citizens will always remember and honor Trong’s legacy in fostering ties between the countries, particularly in promoting reconciliation and shaping a future of peace, stability, and prosperity.
Secretary Blinken affirmed the US’s dedication to its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Vietnam and anticipated close collaboration to deepen this vital bilateral relationship. He expressed confidence that both sides will continue to fortify and nurture US-Vietnam relations, strengthening the bond between the two populations in alignment with General Secretary Trong’s aspirations.
President To Lam affirmed Vietnam’s view of the US as a strategically crucial partner and welcomed the ongoing US commitment to supporting a “strong, independent, resilient, and prosperous” Vietnam.
Secretary Blinken stressed that the US regards Vietnam as a key partner in the region and will persist in collaborating with Vietnam to enhance cooperation in regional and international forums.
Later that day, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held discussions with Secretary Blinken.
Prime Minister Chinh thanked Secretary Blinken for representing President Biden and the US government in offering condolences to General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s family.
Secretary Blinken observed that General Secretary Trong played a pivotal role in nurturing US-Vietnam relations and uplifting them to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Prime Minister Chinh emphasized that due to the strategic foresight and leadership of General Secretary Trong and President Biden, US-Vietnam relations have entered a significant new phase of progress.
Secretary Blinken expressed satisfaction with the positive outcomes achieved since the implementation of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership nearly a year ago, with both sides actively engaged in the Vietnam-US Joint Statement and Action Plan for 2023.
Looking forward to the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2025, Prime Minister Chinh and Secretary Blinken agreed on the significance of enhancing high-level interactions and engagements. Both nations should concentrate on boosting cooperation in economy, trade, investment, high technology, and semiconductor partnerships, while maximizing opportunities for collaboration in developing high-quality human resources.
Prime Minister Chinh stressed the necessity for intensified collaboration in addressing the aftermath of the war. He recounted his recent interactions with Vietnamese war veterans and families during War Invalids and Martyrs’ Day (July 27), witnessing firsthand the enduring impacts of war on families and future generations.
The Prime Minister urged the US to expedite efforts in clearing unexploded ordnance and decontaminating dioxin hotspots, and supporting war-affected disabled individuals. Vietnam remains fully committed to cooperating effectively in the search for US soldiers missing in action during the war.
The Prime Minister welcomed the US’s endeavors to bolster comprehensive and responsible collaboration in the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions, and its continued backing for ASEAN’s consensus, central role, as well as the principled stance of ASEAN and Vietnam regarding the East Sea issue.
Secretary Blinken reiterated US support for a robust, independent, resilient, and prosperous Vietnam, enhancing global integration and assuming an increasingly pivotal role in ASEAN, the region, and international partnerships.
