NA Chairwoman Nguyễn Thị Kim Ngân welcomes US Senator Patrick Leahy. — VNA/VNS Photo Trọng Đức

HÀ NỘI — National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyễn Thị Kim Ngân affirmed Việt Nam’s external policy of treasuring ties with the US during a reception in Hà Nội yesterday for US Senator Patrick Leahy, Vice Chairman of the US Committee on Appropriations.
The NA Chairwoman said Việt Nam wants to strengthen their bilateral comprehensive partnership.
Lauding the US’s important role in maintaining peace, stability, co-operation and prosperity in the region and the world, she expressed her delight that US President Donald Trump has come to Việt Nam twice during his tenure, which, along with the exchange of high-level visits, has contributed to promoting Việt Nam-US links.
She hoped that during the visit, both sides would discuss ways to boost ties, particularly between the National Assembly and the US Senate.
According to her, Việt Nam-US ties are growing in politics, economy, trade-investment, science-technology, culture-education and security. The US is also one of the top destinations for Vietnamese youths' studies.
Việt Nam considers the US one of its most important partners in terms of trade, she said.
The host said political stability and order give Viet Nam an edge in attracting foreign investors. At present, foreign direct investment (FDI) attraction is a bright spot in the country’s economic landscape.
With access to 12 free trade agreements (FTAs), Việt Nam is refining its policies and laws, while building key infrastructure, she said.
Leahy, for his part, expressed his desire to learn about Việt Nam’s policies as well as bilateral co-operation opportunities.
The two sides discussed issues regarding gender equality; labour; start-ups; and FDI attraction in the high-tech industry, agriculture, electronics, digital technology and clean energy.
Several senators said the US is ready to partner with Việt Nam in its development process, adding that although the US has not joined the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, they hoped an exclusive FTA between Việt Nam and the US could be conceived in the future. — VNS