To Lam meets U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth in Singapore

Pete Hegseth conveyed greetings from President Donald Trump to General Secretary and President To Lam, affirming that President Trump and his Administration always attach importance to the relations with Viet Nam as well as its growing role in the region.

To Lam affirmed that Viet Nam's decision to join the Board of Peace for Gaza stands as a testament to its goodwill and responsibility to promote dialogue, cooperation and mediation. It also reflects Viet Nam's readiness to make more active contributions to common efforts for peace, stability and development.

Pete Hegseth spoke highly of Viet Nam's consistent and responsible approach, saying that Viet Nam has been increasingly viewed as a reliable partner capable of contributing substantively to global initiatives for peace and stability.

To Lam highly valued the U.S. commitment to support a strong, independent, self-reliant, and prosperous Viet Nam, describing this as the important foundation for the two countries to continue expanding cooperation on the basis of respect for each other's independence, sovereignty, political regime, and legitimate interests.

He reassured that Viet Nam sees the U.S. as a partner of top importance, expressing his wish that both countries will work together to further advance the Viet Nam-U.S. comprehensive strategic partnership in a stable, substantive and practical manner.

The top Vietnamese leader suggested both countries would continue consolidating political trust through enhancing high-level contacts and delegation exchanges.

He took the occasion to invite President Donald Trump to pay an official visit to Viet Nam.

To Lam urged the U.S. to create favorable conditions for Viet Nam to access advanced technologies and high-tech products, thus contributing to expanding more substantive and balanced economic cooperation between the two countries.

Both sides agreed to continue the current joint programs to overcome the war consequences, considering them as an important factor for both sides to consolidate trust and foundations for stable and long-term development of the bilateral ties.

The same day, General Secretary and President To Lam also met with Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles and Japanese Defense Minister Koizumi Shinjiro.