Vietnamese Deputy PM, FM meets with US, EC, UK officials in Malaysia
Son and Rubio expressed their delight that their meeting coincides with the 30th anniversary of Vietnam-US diplomatic ties (July 12). They reviewed extraordinary strides made in various areas over the past three decades, especially since the upgrade of the bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2023.
Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son (L) and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. (Photo: VNA)
Kuala Lumpur (VNA) – Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affair🧔s Bui Thanh Son held bilateral meetings with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Vice-President of the European Commission and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, and UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs David Lamy, on the sidelines of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting and Related Meetings in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on July 11.
Son and Rubio expressed their delight that their meeting coincides with the 30th anniversary of Vietnam-US diplomatic ties (July 12). They reviewed extraordinary strides made in various areas over the past three decades, especially since the upgrade of the bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2023.
The two officials discussed steps to further deepen the bilateral ties, including facilitating all-level visits, especially those at the high level, and fully leveraging existing cooperation mechanisms. They also committed to joint work to organise activities celebrating the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties.
Affirming that economic cooperation remains a key driver of the bilateral relationship, both sides pledged to build balanced, stable, harmonious, and sustainable economic, trade and investment ties, while addressing existing obstacles for mutual benefits.
Son called for the US’s assistance in innovation, digital transformation, hi-tech supply chains, and quality workforce training; and highly appreciated the US’s good will and coordination in Vietnam’s war aftermath settlement projects.
In reply, Rubio said the US attaches importance to its relations with Vietnam and reaffirmed the US's commitment to advancing multifaceted cooperation, joining hands in addressing existing issues and continuing to support Vietnam in settling war consequences, considering it an evidence of trust and a symbol of developing relations.
On global and regional issues of shared concern, Son suggested the US continue to play an active role in maintaining regional peace, stability, cooperation and sustainable development. Rubio reiterated the US's support for ASEAN’s centrality and cooperation within the framework of the ASEAN - US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Regarding the East Sea issue, they underscored the importance of peace, security, stability, freedom of navigation and aviation in the East Sea, the peaceful settlement of disputes in line with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
In another meeting, Son and Kallas welcomed the positive momentum in Vietnam-EU relations since their diplomatic ties were established 35 years ago, which laid a solid foundation for both sides to consider elevating the partnership to a new level. Amid evolving global complexities, they called for giving continued priority to cooperative ties, especially in trade and investment.
Son proposed the EU complete the ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) and lift the “yellow card” warning against Vietnamese seafood exports. He also encouraged European investments in Vietnam’s strategic projects in infrastructure, renewable energy, green transition, digital transformation, and environment.
Hailing Vietnam as the EU’s key partner in the region, Kallas agreed on the need to increase high-level exchanges, expand bilateral cooperation, fully leverage the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and build new pillars of cooperation in sci-tech, innovation, green transition, and digital transformation.
Turning to global and regional issues, the two sides underscored the importance of the UN Charter and international law, agreeing that all conflicts and disputes must be settled through peaceful means, consultation and dialogue.
Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son (L) and UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs David Lamy. (Photo: VNA)
At their meeting, Son and Lamy promised to jointly step up the exchange of high-level delegations, contributing to solidifying political trust and creating momentum to elevate bilateral ties to a new height.
Outlining Vietnam’s plan to develop an international financial centre in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, Son described it as a major policy of the Vietnamese Party and State to restructure the growth model and enhance economic competitiveness.
He requested the British side to share knowledge and experience in financial centre development, assist Vietnam in workforce training and attraction, and encourage British organisations and firms to join the effort.
Lamy, in response, praised the impressive growth of the bilateral relationship across various fields, especially in trade and investment. As there remains ample opportunities to boost trade and cooperation in emerging areas like clean and renewable energy, he promised to encourage British companies and experts to participate in Vietnam’s financial centre development project, considering it as a pathway to deeper bilateral ties./.
Vice President of the European Commission (EC) and High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell Fontelles met with the press in Hanoi on July 31 to talk about the outcomes of his visit and the future of Vietnam-EU relations, emphasising the commitment to further strengthening bilateral ties.
The European Union (EU) regards Vietnam as one of its leading important partners in the region, Josep Borrell Fontelles, Vice President of the European Commission (EC) and High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said at his talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son in Hanoi on July 30.
With trust and mutual respect, Vietnam and the US are writing a new chapter of long-term cooperation, for the benefit of the people of the two countries and for peace and prosperity in the region and the world.
US Ambassador Marc Knapper affirmed that the US is ready to continue working with Vietnam to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation and advance the bilateral relationship, based on mutual respect for each other’s independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political systems.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Morocco and Côte d’Ivoire Le Kim Quy traced the 50-year journey of bilateral relationship, noting strides in political dialogue, mutual support at international forums like the United Nations, the Francophonie, and the Non-Aligned Movement, and robust economic ties anchored in trade and investment.
Thanh highlighted that the Ho Chi Minh Space is not only a special cultural and historical landmark, but also a source of inspiration for the human values, independence, and the quest for freedom that President Ho Chi Minh steadfastly pursued throughout his life.
This stride was made possible by a shared commitment to building bridges of friendship rooted in trust, strategic vision, and strong public support of both sides.
Thirty years ago, in the night of July 11, 1995 (US time), US President Bill Clinton officially announced the normalisation of diplomatic relations with Vietnam. In the early morning of July 12, 1995 (Vietnam time), Prime Minister Vo Van Kiet officially announced the normalisation of diplomatic relations with the US.
The seminar was the first activity in during Thanh’s visit, the first-ever by a top Vietnamese legislator since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1975.
Hansen said Denmark attaches importance to the Comprehensive Partnership and Green Strategic Partnership with Vietnam while speaking highly of the positive development in the bilateral relations over the recent past.
The Party Central Committee’s Politburo and Secretariat on July 11 announced disciplinary measures against three incumbent and former officials for serious violations of the Party's regulations and the State's laws while performing their duties.
HCM City, as Vietnam’s vibrant economic and cultural hub, has played a pivotal role in fostering cooperation between the two countries. French businesses, as well as educational, health care, heritage conservation, and urban development organisations have maintained an active and visible presence in the city.
Over the past three decades, two-way trade has increased more than 300 times, with Vietnam becoming a major player in global supply chains. Many major US corporations now view Vietnam as a strategic manufacturing and consumer market, while more Vietnamese firms are entering the highly competitive US market.
Three decades since the normalisation of bilateral ties, thanks to tireless efforts from both nations, Vietnam and the US have built mutual trust, becoming friends and comprehensive strategic partners across all sectors.
The following is a brief review of the day’s events as reported by the Vietnam News Agency.
People-to-people exchange has long served as a vital bridge between Vietnam and China, forming a strong social foundation for building trust, fostering cooperation, and maintaining peace. In celebration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2025, the two Parties and Governments have jointly designated the year as the “Year of Vietnam-China Humanistic Exchange,” reflecting a shared strategic vision to promote sustainable bilateral relations rooted in public engagement.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son held separate meetings with the foreign ministers of China, Australia, and Algeria on the sidelines of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM-58) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on July 10.
The Lao Vice President asked the Central Committees of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union (HCYU) and the Lao People's Revolutionary Youth Union (LPRYU) to continue enhancing coordination to effectively implement their 2022–2027 cooperation agreement, especially in youth exchanges and education of younger generations about the countries’ traditional ties.
Three former US ambassadors to Vietnam have shared their views on the past achievements and future prospects of bilateral relations as the two countries celebrate the 30th anniversary of the normalisation of their diplomatic relations this July.
National Assembly (NA) Vice Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Thanh held talks with French Senate Vice President Loic Hervé and French NA Vice-President Nadège Abomangoli, met with Anne Le Hénanff, Chairwoman of the France – Vietnam Friendship Parliamentarians’ Group (FVFG) in the French NA, and Amélia Lakrafi, General Delegate of the APF.
Speaking at the closing session of the 47th meeting of the NA Standing Committee in Hanoi on July 10,National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man commended the close, prompt, and active coordination among involved bodies.
