Ambassador Marc E. Knapper expressed his impression of Viet Nam’s development achievements and growing status in the world, as well as the recent progresses in bilateral ties.
There remains vast room for both countries to further advance their ties, including in such new areas as climate change and epidemic response, in the coming time, said the diplomat.
He affirmed that the U.S. supports a strong, independent, and prosperous Viet Nam and will promote the bilateral relationship on the basis of respect for each other’s political regimes, and contribute to the countries’ cooperation.
In reply, Nguyen congratulated Knapper on his appointment as the American Ambassador to Viet Nam.
He reiterated Viet Nam’s foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, cooperation and development, and diversification and multilateralization of foreign relations on the basis of mutual respect, for the sake of the two countries and for regional and global peace, friendship, and cooperation.
The Party chief asked the Ambassador to make active contributions to the bilateral ties. He also wished the diplomat many successes during his term in Viet Nam.
Two-way trade saw a 248-fold rise to US$ 111 billion in 2021 since the two countries normalized diplomatic relations 26 years ago.
The U.S. is currently the largest importer of Vietnamese goods, while Viet Nam is the ninth largest trade partner of the U.S.
Over last years, the U.S. has been among the largest foreign investors in Viet Nam with nearly 1,150 projects worth over US$10.3 billion.
The U.S. has donated nearly 40 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to Viet Nam./.