Nguyễn Xuân Thắng, Politburo member and Director of the Hồ Chí Minh National Academy of Politics and Chairman of the Central Theory Council, meets Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell alongside Vietnamese ambassador to the US Nguyễn Quốc Dũng in the US. — VNA/VNS Photo Kiều Trang

WASHINGTON DC — Politburo member, Director of the Hồ Chí Minh National Academy of Politics and Chairman of the Central Theory Council Nguyễn Xuân Thắng highlighted the comprehensive, rapid developments of the Việt Nam-US relationship during his working visit to the US from July 31 to August 4.

While in the US, Thắng met with Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, Senior Advisor to the US President for International Climate Policy John Podesta, Deputy National Security Advisor for Cyber and Emerging Technology Anne Neuberger, and US Department of Treasury Deputy Assistant Secretary for Asia and the Pacific Robert Kaproth.

The Vietnamese official also had discussions with researchers and scholars at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, the Heritage Foundation, the US Institute of Peace, and the Wilson Centre; held talks with representatives of the Communist Party USA; and met the staff of the Vietnamese embassy.

He used the occasion to thank the US government, agencies, partners and businesses for sending condolences to the Vietnamese Party, State and people over the passing of Party General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng.

Regarding the US Department of Commerce (DOC)'s announcement that it has not yet recognised Việt Nam as a market economy, he said Việt Nam is disappointed about the decision as over the past time, the two countries have seen unprecedented strong developments of bilateral trade and investment ties, and made great efforts in elevating their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Việt Nam has met all the six criteria set by the DOC when considering the recognition of the market economy for Việt Nam, Thắng stressed, suggesting the two sides continue enhancing exchanges.

The US should make objective evaluations, towards recognising Việt Nam as a market economy, he said.

Thắng also called on the US to increase its investments in potential fields in Việt Nam, as well as exports to the Southeast Asian nation, saying this would help reduce the US trade deficit with Việt Nam.

The US representatives shared Việt Nam's concern over the DOC’s decision and affirmed that this would not affect the thriving economic ties between the two countries.