Hanoi (VNA) – International politicians, scholars and mediahave given shrewd comments on the state visit to Vietnam by US President JosephR. Biden from September 10-11 and the upgrade of the bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership for peace, cooperation and sustainable development.

The White House on September 10 said during the historic visit,President Biden and his host Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong  elevatedthe Vietnam – US relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, renewingthe strength and dynamism of the ties as both countries work together toachieve their shared goals of peace, prosperity and sustainable development.

In its announcement, the White House highlighted the unprecedented andmomentous elevation of ties between the two nations was a result of intense efforts by both governments to establish and build mutualunderstanding, and to chart a forward-looking path toward the opportunities andchallenges in a rapidly-evolving world.

Meanwhile, in their joint statement issued after the announcement of the twonations’ relations upgrade, Oregon’s US Senator Jeff Merkley and Maryland’s USSenator Chris Van Hollen highlighted the foundation to a strong relationship,which has been built on both sides’ efforts to address the wartimelegacy and promote reconciliation.

The upgrade of the bilateral ties is an opportunity to deepen mutualunderstanding and the US’s commitment to the legacy programmes from the war inVietnam, including taking on the elimination of cluster munitions and theremediation of dioxin, according to the joint statement.

It also laid stress on opportunities for both sides to open the door to newinvestments, which cover advanced technologies and green energy, for thebenefits of the two nations.


Speaking to the Vietnam News Agency, Ph.D. Andrew Wells-Dang, a senior expert on Vietnam at the US Institute of Peace’sCentre for Asian Affairs, said President Biden’s visit to Vietnam is a vividillustration of the stronger confidence as well as effective collaboration anddiplomacy between the two countries.

Besides, it also proves potential to develop a unique multilateral diplomacyso as to maintain peace, he said.

Meanwhile, Calvin Khoe, research and analysis director of the Foreign PolicyCommunity of Indonesia Research (FPCI), told the Vietnam News Agency that the upgrade of the Vietnam –US ties will help promote the ASEAN – US relations and the comprehensivedevelopment of the bloc, as well as contribute to the regional peace, stabilityand prosperity.

He expressed his hope that with the upgrade, the Vietnam –US cooperation programmes will exert a positive influence on Laos, Cambodia, Thailand,and even the whole Southeast Asian region.

Commending the Vietnam – US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, Dewi FortunaAnwa, Chairwoman of the Habibie Centre and FPCI Co-founder, said she believes thebilateral relationship is elevated for mutual benefits and enhancedcollaboration.

The historic upgrade of the Vietnam – US relations has grabbed the headlines ofinternational media, which affirms Vietnam’s increasingly role in the region.

Nikkei Asia said the upgrade seeks to boost trade, while navigating a thicketof challenges such as climate change and geoeconomic competition.

President Biden’s visit also showed both sides respect each other’s politicalinstitution and independence.

Reuters quoted US national security adviser Jake Sullivan as saying the visit reflects the leading role thatVietnam will play in the US’s growing network of partnerships in theIndo-Pacific.

Meanwhile, spokesperson of the US National Security Council John Kirby called the Vietnam – US relations important in an important region in theworld, according to CNN./.