National Assembly Chairman Vương Đình Huệ and the head of the US delegation Kirsten Gillibrand. — VNA/VNS Photo Nhan Sáng

HÀ NỘI — National Assembly Chairman Vương Đình Huệ on Wednesday welcomed the second US Congress delegation to Việt Nam since the two countries upgraded their ties to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, head of the delegation, said that this progress in bilateral relations shows that Việt Nam is one of the leading partners of the US in the Indo-Pacific region.

The two legislators agreed that the upgraded partnership acts as a driving force and opens up a new space for cooperation at all levels and sectors, particularly innovation, artificial intelligence, human resources training, semiconductor industry, energy transition, supply chain, sports and people-to-people diplomacy through education.

They also emphasised responsible cooperation in the Asia Pacific through the Indo-Pacific Strategy and regional initiatives, as well as support for ASEAN’s central role, the ASEAN-US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the Mekong-US Partnership for peace, stability and growth.

Since 2023, Việt Nam has welcomed seven delegations from the US Congress, which are aimed at strengthening mutual trust and understanding in the Việt Nam-US ties.

Expressing his appreciation for the US Congress and parties for their assistance in the bilateral relations progress, NA Chairman Huệ welcomes the US to consider removing Việt Nam from the list of non-market economies.

Việt Nam is now part of 19 free trade agreements with more than 60 countries, as well as multiple regional and global trade cooperation frameworks, he said, adding that hundreds of large US corporations are operating in Việt Nam.

In regard to trade and investment, Việt Nam also requested US support in maintaining stable, long-term trade relations and a favourable environment for businesses, in addition to the exchange of knowledge on policy development, funding and technology assistance for Việt Nam’s commitments at COP26.

NA Chairman Huệ also hoped that delegation exchanges would increase in the future, especially at the parliamentary level and among young parliamentarians.

Regarding projects to overcome war consequences, a highlight in bilateral collaboration, US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand expressed gratitude for Việt Nam’s efforts, particularly in searching for the remains of American soldiers missing in action in Việt Nam and support programmes for people with disabilities.

Stressing that these efforts show the power of people-to-people diplomacy in the reconciliation process, the two countries commit to continue working on these projects in the future.

NA Chairman Huệ also gave high regard to the continuing defence-security cooperation in alignment with the actual regional and international context each country is facing.

Việt Nam also calls for support of Việt Nam’s and ASEAN’s stance on the East Sea (known internationally as the South China Sea) with respect to international laws such as the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and expects that the US will continue its high level of attention to this matter. — VNS