Standing Deputy Prime Minister Phạm Gia Túc (right) held a reception for United States Ambassador to Việt Nam Jennifer Wicks on August 19 in Hà Nội. — Photo from the Việt Nam Government Portal

HÀ NỘI — Standing Deputy Prime Minister Phạm Gia Túc on Wednesday received United States Ambassador to Việt Nam Jennifer Wicks, who came to pay a courtesy call at the start of her tenure in the country.

Deputy PM Túc congratulated Wicks on her new assignment and spoke highly of her active engagement in various activities during the first weeks of her term, describing them as a sign of the importance the US attaches to its relations with Việt Nam and its determination to promote bilateral cooperation.

The Deputy PM expressed his belief that with her extensive experience in the US administration and knowledge of the region, Wicks will have a successful tenure, making important contributions to the stable, substantive and effective development of the Việt Nam–US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Việt Nam consistently considers the US one of its most strategically important partners and wishes to fully realise the strategic value of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and deepen bilateral cooperation, he affirmed.

Economic, trade and investment ties should continue to serve as a driving force while science – technology, innovation and human resources development should become strategic and long-term areas of cooperation, Túc went on.

He asked the ambassador to play a bridging role in promoting high-level exchanges and the substantive implementation of the agreements reached between the two sides, helping ensure that bilateral ties grow in a stable and sustainable manner for the benefit of the two peoples while contributing to peace, stability and development in the region.

The official said Việt Nam is pursuing a new development model in which science – technology, innovation and digital transformation are identified as a key driver. It welcomes US businesses to make long-term investments in the country, particularly projects involving advanced technologies, technology transfer, human resources training and stronger links with Vietnamese firms.

Deputy PM Túc also asked both sides to step up harmonious, sustainable and mutually beneficial economic and trade links, swiftly resolve outstanding issues, and soon conclude negotiations and sign a reciprocal, fair and balanced trade agreement to create a stable framework for their businesses to expand investment, production and business activities.

Thanking her host for the reception shortly after she began her tenure in Việt Nam, Wicks recalled her meeting with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Việt Nam Central Committee and President Tô Lâm, where she shared the view that Việt Nam–US relations have never been better than they are today.

She expressed her honour to be entrusted by President Donald Trump with the task of promoting bilateral relations, and voiced her confidence that the two sides will achieve practical results in implementing their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The ambassador underlined the US commitment to supporting a strong, independent, resilient and prosperous Việt Nam, stressing that economic and trade cooperation remains a top priority during her tenure, alongside efforts to expand collaboration across other areas.

Wicks highly valued the Vietnamese Government's efforts to improve the legal framework and the investment and business environment, as well as to strengthen dialogue to advance cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

She pledged to work closely with Vietnamese authorities to facilitate specific cooperation projects and called on the two sides to maintain positive exchanges to soon reach a high-standard, reciprocal, fair and balanced trade agreement, thereby creating more economic and investment opportunities for both countries.

She also appreciated the Vietnamese Government's attention to promoting the joint priorities and pledged all-out efforts to help the Việt Nam–US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership thrive even more in the time ahead. — VNA/VNS