PM Phuc optimistic about strong Vietnam-US relations

Whoever wins the US election, either presidential candidate Joe Biden or incumbent president Donald Trump, the US is still a friend that has a good relationship with Vietnam in the spirit of mutual respect and understanding, Phuc told reporters at a press briefing in Hanoi on November 15.

The briefing was held to announce the outcome of the 37th ASEAN Summit and related meetings that took place in Hanoi in the online format from November 12-15.

The Vietnamese PM said like many other countries worldwide, Vietnam respects Americans’ decision in their 2020 presidential election.

According to Phuc, US National Security Advisor Robert C. O’brien represented President Donald Trump to attend and deliver a speech at the 8th ASEAN-US Summit on November 14, which shows the US’s interest in ASEAN.

“It can be said that the continuous development of the economic, trade and investment ties between ASEAN and the US has really formed the basis for the long-term development of bilateral relations, including Vietnam and other ASEAN countries,” said the Vietnamese PM.

He highly valued the ASEAN-US partnership on the basis of mutual respect for independence and sovereignty, expressing wish to build a peaceful and prosperous region.

The US is an important partner of ASEAN, helping develop human resources for the bloc through many programs and projects. In addition, the US has actively participated in efforts to narrow the development gap within ASEAN.

“I believe that the ASEAN-US partnership that has developed over the past four decades will continue to grow in the coming time,” stated Prime Minister Phuc.

Vietnam hosted the 37th ASEAN Summit and related meetings from November 12-15, and these meetings were virtually held due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

At the closing ceremony on November 15, Vietnam handed over the ASEAN Chairmanship gavel to Brunei to host key events in 2021.