At a recent press conference on the results of the 37th ASEAN Summit, the international media questioned PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc about the impact of the presidential election in the US on Vietnam-US relations.

The Vietnamese Prime Minister said that Vietnam respects the decisions of the American people. "Whoever is the winner, Mr. Joe Biden or Mr. Donald Trump, the US is still a friend with a good relationship with Vietnam in the spirit of mutual respect and understanding," the Prime Minister said.

He said that US National Security Advisor Robert C. O'Brien attended and spoke on behalf of President Donald Trump at the East Asia Summit on November 14, which showed the US’s attention to the ASEAN region.

The Prime Minister once again affirmed: "Whether Mr. Biden or Mr. Donald Trump comes to power, we both have good relationship, mutual understanding... It can be said that the continuous development of trade and investment between ASEAN and the US and economic cooperation have become the basis of the long-term development of bilateral relations, including Vietnam and ASEAN countries."

ASEAN highly appreciates the strategic partnership with the US on the basis of mutual respect for independence and sovereignty, and wishes to build a peaceful and prosperous region.

The US is an important partner of ASEAN in supporting the training of ASEAN's human resources, through many programs and projects. In addition, the US actively participates in efforts to narrow the development gap of ASEAN.

"I believe the ASEAN-US partnership that has developed over the past four decades will continue to grow well in the coming time," said the Prime Minister.

Thanh Nam - Pham Hai