Party General Secretary and State President Tô Lâm delivers a speech at the event celebrating the first anniversary of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace, Cooperation and Sustainable Development and the preparation of 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Việt Nam and the United States. VNA/VNS Photos

NEW YORK – Party General Secretary and State President Tô Lâm affirmed that one year after Việt Nam and the US elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, there remains significant potential to further deepen bilateral ties.

This evolving partnership will benefit the people of both countries and contribute to peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and globally. 

He made these remarks on Sunday evening (local time) while attending an event in New York celebrating the first anniversary of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace, Cooperation and Sustainable Development, which also marked the lead-up to the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Việt Nam and the United States.

The event was attended by former US Secretary of State John Kerry, Senator Dan Sullivan, numerous current and former senior officials from the US Government, as well as many American friends and members of the Vietnamese community in the US.

Party General Secretary and State President Tô Lâm and his wife greet former US Secretary of State John Kerry at the event.

Reflecting on the history of US-Việt Nam relations, General Secretary and President Tô Lâm noted that the relationship serves as a rare and exemplary model in international diplomacy, illustrating how two nations can heal and rebuild ties after war.

Despite initial interactions more than two centuries ago, the two countries have overcome numerous challenges and profound changes, evolving from former adversaries during the war to become trusted partners. Their relationship progressed to a Comprehensive Partnership in 2013, and after a decade of fostering this framework, the two nations achieved significant milestones in strengthening mutual trust and understanding, paving the way for the 2023 upgrade to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace, Cooperation and Sustainable Development. 

He stressed that this accomplishment is the culmination of tireless efforts to mend and build trust over the past three decades, driven by generations of leaders, governments, legislatures and citizens from both nations.

Looking ahead to the 30th anniversary of US-Việt Nam diplomatic relations in 2025, the top leader urged both sides to continue working closely together to effectively implement the 2023 US-Việt Nam Joint Declaration.

He specifically called for strengthening high-level exchanges, enhancing cooperation in high-tech fields such as semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI) and prioritising high-quality human resource development.

He also emphasised the importance of continuing efforts to address the legacy of war, which will contribute to building and reinforcing mutual trust. He also advocated for fostering open, constructive dialogue, sharing mutual interests, addressing legitimate concerns and collaborating to further peace, stability and prosperity regionally and globally. 

Quoting the 16th US President, Abraham Lincoln, who said: ‘The best way to predict the future is to create it’, General Secretary and President Tô Lâm once again emphasised that over the past 30 years, both sides have worked together to create an historic milestone and a model for international relations.

The Vietnamese leader also expressed his gratitude to the US Government and people for their timely support to the people of Việt Nam during the recent typhoon.

Former Secretary of State John Kerry speaks at the event.

Speaking at the event, former Secretary of State John Kerry shared his experience witnessing the challenges in normalising and advancing relations between the two countries.

He emphasised that thanks to the efforts of generations of leaders and citizens from both sides, the two nations have found a formula for healing, ending conflict and embracing future opportunities for development. 

US Senator Dan Sullivan speaks at the event.

US Senator Dan Sullivan, for his part, offered condolences to the families of the victims of Typhoon Yagi and expressed his deep respect for the contributions of US lawmakers, such as the late Senator John McCain and former Senator John Kerry, in normalising and advancing bilateral relations. 

Senator Sullivan affirmed that the Việt Nam-US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership enjoys bipartisan support in the US, with vast potential for growth. He also noted the partnership's positive contribution to peace, stability, cooperation and development both regionally and globally, emphasising that the US Congress will continue to support Việt Nam as a key player in the region. – VNS