On the afternoon of March 31, General Secretary To Lam received U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper, commending the significant progress in bilateral relations across multiple fields.

The meeting comes as the two countries prepare to celebrate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the second year of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

General Secretary To Lam asked the Ambassador to convey his warm greetings and best wishes to U.S. President Donald Trump and congratulated the U.S. on its recent achievements under President Trump’s leadership.

He reiterated that Vietnam consistently regards the United States as a top strategic partner and seeks to deepen practical cooperation under the Joint Statement and Action Plan for implementing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The General Secretary acknowledged the efforts of Ambassador Knapper and the U.S. Embassy staff in effectively advancing bilateral agreements and initiatives within the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership framework.

On economic matters, General Secretary To Lam noted that Vietnam is actively working to address U.S. trade and investment concerns. He reaffirmed Vietnam’s encouragement of increased imports of competitive U.S. products that align with domestic needs - particularly in agriculture, LNG, and advanced technology.

Vietnam remains committed to fostering a favorable investment environment and supports foreign businesses - including U.S. enterprises - in expanding their operations. The goal is to maintain a balanced, harmonious, and sustainable economic relationship between the two nations.

Ambassador Marc Knapper emphasized that support and coordination from Vietnam’s Party and State leaders, along with ministries and agencies, have greatly contributed to the development of bilateral ties.

He stressed that the Trump administration places great importance on the Vietnam-U.S. Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and is committed to enhancing practical and meaningful cooperation that benefits both peoples.

The United States highly values Vietnam’s independent and self-reliant foreign policy and supports the country’s growing role in promoting peace and cooperation in the region and globally.

Ambassador Knapper underscored that a “strong, independent, prosperous, and resilient” Vietnam contributes positively to regional and global stability - a vision the U.S. fully supports.

He also expressed appreciation for Vietnam’s direct and effective measures to resolve key U.S. concerns, highlighting progress in promoting a balanced and sustainable bilateral trade relationship.

American businesses and partners view Vietnam as a vital player in global supply chains and see increasing opportunity for U.S. products and services in the Vietnamese market.

Ambassador Knapper thanked the General Secretary for the meeting and his strategic guidance in advancing the Vietnam–U.S. partnership.

He affirmed his personal commitment to encouraging U.S. agencies to work closely with Vietnam to implement agreements under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This includes expanding high-level contacts and deepening cooperation in key areas such as trade, investment, defense, security, education, migration issues, transnational crime prevention, and other mutual priorities.

Tran Thuong