American political circles hold an optimistic view of the future of themulti-faceted relationship between Vietnam and the United Statesfollowing Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s historic visit tothe US, which concluded on July 10.

MichaelMichalak, former US Ambassador to Vietnam, said that General SecretaryTrong’s visit had historic significance, indicating the trust in anddepth of the relationship between the two countries.

The visit was evidence of the two countries’ mutual respect for theirpolitical systems, Michalak said. It was a step forwards inimplementing the statements made by leaders within the framework oftheir strategic partnership.

The formerambassador believed the visit would elevate the US-Vietnam relationshipto a new level with more trust and respect.

Michalak, who was Ambassador to Vietnam from 2007-2011, underlined thatthe US-Vietnam relationship has made substantial progress in the past 20years.

Trust has grown in many of the fieldsthe two countries cooperate in, he said, citing efforts for peace andstability in the region and the world.

AnthonyNelson, who manages Vietnamese affairs at the US - ASEAN BusinessCouncil, also shared Michalak’s view on General Secretary Trong’shistoric visit.

He said economic ties between the two countries were one of the most successful aspects.

Vietnam’s economy has increasingly integrated globally, opening up anumber of cooperation opportunities for Vietnam and its partners, headded.

Since the normalisation of US-Vietnamrelations in 1995, trade value has increased from 450 million USD to 36billion USD and is expected to continue to rise as their economiescontinue expanding.

The US is Vietnam’s leading export market and Vietnam is a potential market for American hi-tech products.-VNA