President To Lam receives U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken

Blinken handed over President Joe Biden's letter of condolences to President To Lam, in which President Biden recalled his deep impressions of his first meeting with Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong in Washington D.C. in 2015.

President Biden also expressed his pride in having stood side by side with the Vietnamese Party chief during his visit to Ha Noi in 2023 where they opened up a new era of cooperation between the two countries.

President Biden described the above event as a testament to the two countries' shared desire for peace and prosperity for all. It also reflected Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong's determination to further lift up the bilateral ties to the highest level – the comprehensive strategic partnership.

Also in the letter, President Biden affirmed that the U.S. will never forget his leadership and fully supports a stron, resilient, and independent Viet Nam to which Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong dedicated his whole life.

Blinken expressed his condolences over the passing of a leader with strategic vision and appreciated the Party leader's contributions to consolidating and nurturing the relationship and friendship between the two countries' people.

President To Lam conveyed sincere thanks to President Biden for his fine affections and deep condolences over the death of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

He also thanked Blinken for travelling to Viet Nam to honor the passing of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

President To said Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong attached great importance to advancing relations with the U.S. and regularly reminisced about President Biden's affections.

The historic visit to the U.S. by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong in 2015 created a strong impetus for the two countries to develop vigorously and become comprehensive strategic partners.

Blinken reassured that the U.S. treasures the comprehensive strategic partnership with Viet Nam and expects both sides would work closely together to further deepen their ties.

Blinken expressed his belief that both countries would continue collaboration to strengthen the relationship according to Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong's wish.

He said that the U.S. always remember and honor the legacy of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, particularly his efforts to promote reconciliation and build a future of peace, stability and prosperity for the region and the world.

Both To and Blinken expressed their pleasure at the positive development in the Viet Nam-U.S. relations across fields over the past time. President To affirmed Viet Nam regards the U.S. as a top strategic partner and welcomes the U.S. continued commitment to supporting a strong, independent, resilient and prosperous Viet Nam

The U.S. considers Viet Nam a top partner in the region, affirmed Blinken.

He also affirmed the U.S. would continue its commitment to working with Viet Nam to further consolidate the bilateral relations and enhance coordination at regional and international forums over issues of shared concerns, contributing to promoting dialogue, peace, cooperation and development in the region and the world, including such frameworks as the Mekong-US Partnership, ASEAN, APEC, and the United Nations, for the common peace, stability, and prosperity of the region and the world.

The same day, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh received U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken./.