Vietnam, US seek stronger ties, step up war legacy cooperation

The Vietnamese leader welcomed Acting Secretary Cao’s visit to Vietnam and his participation in the Pacific Partnership-Pacific Friendship 2026 mission, which was launched in Quang Tri Province in north-central Vietnam later the same day.

He also highlighted the significance of hosting the mission in Quang Tri, a province heavily affected by war and recent natural disasters, noting its focus on humanitarian assistance and disaster response activities.

Party General Secretary and State President Lam reiterated that Vietnam always considers the U.S. one of its most strategically important partners.

He expressed a desire for Hanoi to work closely with Washington to effectively implement the comprehensive strategic partnership framework, advancing ties in a substantive and comprehensive manner for the benefit of both peoples and for peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and the world.

He also welcomed progress in bilateral defense relations, urging both sides to continue implementing existing mechanisms, programs, and principles of cooperation, while translating commitments into concrete actions aligned with each country’s needs and interests.

Highlighting the importance of war legacy remediation in bilateral ties, the Vietnamese leader called on the U.S. to continue maintaining and expanding projects on dioxin detoxification, unexploded ordnance clearance, and support for persons with disabilities.

Ahead of July, the month of remembrance for war martyrs and wounded veterans in Vietnam, he proposed that the U.S. strengthen cooperation in transferring technology and providing information and artifacts to help locate and identify the remains of Vietnamese soldiers.

Such efforts carry profound humanitarian significance, he said, and stand as clear evidence of the two countries’ efforts to heal wounds, foster reconciliation, and build mutual trust.

Acting Secretary Cao agreed, saying he deeply understands the pain caused by war, having been born during that period.

He described progress in war legacy remediation as a testament to the shared commitment of both countries to put the past behind them and look toward the future.

He thanked the Vietnamese government and people for their support in the search for U.S. servicemen missing in action and reaffirmed Washington’s long-term commitment to war legacy remediation programs in Vietnam.

Expressing pleasure and emotion at returning to Vietnam, Acting Secretary Cao praised the positive momentum in bilateral relations in recent years and said he was impressed by the country’s development and growing international stature.

He affirmed that the U.S. values its relationship with Vietnam and supports a strong, independent, self-reliant, and prosperous Vietnam that is playing an increasingly important role in the region.

Washington seeks to further promote cooperation with Vietnam at the bilateral, regional, and global levels, he said, noting that defense cooperation, including maritime activities, plays an important role in maintaining peace, stability, and development in the Indo-Pacific region and globally.

He also expressed interest in expanding cooperation in maritime security, capacity building, humanitarian assistance, disaster response, and other shared regional challenges.

He added that, as a person of Vietnamese descent, he would continue to support efforts to strengthen the Vietnamese community in the U.S. and contribute to peace, resilience, and development, as well as the continued growth of Vietnam–U.S. relations.

In response, Party General Secretary and State President To Lam expressed confidence that Vietnam–U.S. relations will continue to develop in a stable, substantive, and effective manner, contributing to peace, cooperation, and development in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Vietnamese leader conveyed greetings to U.S. President Donald Trump and the First Lady through Acting Secretary Cao and reiterated an invitation for them to visit Vietnam at an early date.