Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau on the occasion of attending the ASEAN Future Forum (AFF) 2026 in Hanoi. (Photo: Quang Hoa)

During the meeting, Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung welcomed the visit of U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau to Vietnam, considering it significant and indicative of the U.S.'s regard for its relationship with Vietnam. The visit also contributes to maintaining the positive momentum of bilateral relations.

Minister Le Hoai Trung highly appreciated the recent exchange of delegations and high-level contacts between the two sides, affirming that these are crucial foundations for strengthening political trust, promoting substantive cooperation, and guiding future relations.

Minister Le Hoai Trung emphasized that Vietnam-U.S. relations have undergone a long development process, overcoming many historical challenges to achieve the significant results seen today. Both sides have gradually built a stable and substantive cooperation foundation based on mutual respect for independence, sovereignty, and political systems, aiming for shared benefits. Minister Le Hoai Trung stated that a strong, independent, and prosperous Vietnam aligns with the interests of the U.S., as well as regional and international interests.

The participation of the U.S. delegation at AFF 2026 demonstrates a commitment to continued engagement with ASEAN and support for ASEAN's central role in the evolving regional architecture. (Photo: Quang Hoa)

The Foreign Minister proposed that both sides continue to enhance delegation exchanges and contacts at all levels, affirming that Vietnam welcomes visits from U.S. government, Congress, local authorities, and businesses to promote dialogue, enhance understanding, and create further momentum for bilateral relations. The Minister suggested that both sides continue to coordinate in building specific cooperation programs and plans to effectively implement the major orientations agreed upon by the leaders of the two countries.

Minister Le Hoai Trung stated that economic and trade cooperation is a key area in bilateral relations. Vietnam acknowledges U.S. concerns in addressing trade issues and is actively implementing measures to promote balanced, sustainable, and mutually beneficial economic and trade relations. Vietnam wishes to expand trade exchanges with the U.S., facilitate market access, and enhance cooperation in potential areas based on institutional improvement and effective law enforcement.

Minister Le Hoai Trung also emphasized the importance of cooperation in science and technology, education, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. These are sustainable foundations for Vietnam-U.S. relations, contributing to broad support in both societies for promoting bilateral relations.

Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung and Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau agreed to continue close coordination to contribute to peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region. (Photo: Quang Hoa)

For his part, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau expressed his pleasure at visiting Vietnam; he highly appreciated Vietnam's socio-economic development achievements in recent times, affirming that the U.S. values its relationship with Vietnam and wishes to continue promoting cooperation based on mutual respect and mutual benefit.

The U.S. Deputy Secretary of State noted that the two countries have many shared interests, especially in the fields of economy, trade, and security. He emphasized that diplomacy and a spirit of frank and open dialogue are the basis for both countries to better understand each other's concerns and priorities, thereby appropriately addressing arising issues. The U.S. hopes both sides will effectively address trade issues while discussing long-term visions and prospects for cooperation.

Discussing international and regional situations, both sides shared that the world and regional context is rapidly and complexly evolving, requiring countries to enhance dialogue and cooperation. The U.S. Deputy Secretary of State recalled the U.S. visit of General Secretary and President To Lam, who attended the opening meeting of the Peace Board on Gaza in February 2026; he noted that U.S. President Donald Trump greatly appreciated and thanked General Secretary and President To Lam for his presence at the event, as well as Vietnam's efforts in promoting peace.

Deputy Secretary Landau highly valued Vietnam's role, experience, and approach to regional issues; he affirmed that the U.S. wishes to listen to Vietnam's perspectives and enhance coordination with Vietnam and regional partners on shared concerns.

Both sides also discussed the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security, safety, and freedom of navigation and overflight in the region, resolving issues peacefully and in accordance with international law. They shared the view that stable and substantive Vietnam-U.S. relations not only serve the interests of both countries but also contribute positively to peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and the world.

Minister Le Hoai Trung and Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau agreed to continue maintaining exchanges and close coordination between the two foreign ministries to promote the implementation of cooperation contents agreed upon by high-level leaders, while expanding cooperation in areas that align with each side's interests and priorities.