Billingslea was speaking as the leader of U.S. delegation visiting Vietnam, Japan and South Korea for discussions on threats posed by nuclear weapons in the region.

Vietnam was picked as a destination for the trip given its status as the ASEAN chair this year, the presence of several high-level and experienced diplomats on arms control, and its numerous achievements in arms control, as also for the commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the U.S.-Vietnam relations this year, he said at an online press conference Thursday.

The U.S. delegation, which arrived in Vietnam Wednesday night, includes Lieutenant General Thomas A. Bussiere, Deputy Commander of the U.S. Strategic Command. Billingslea said the presence of Bussiere, a high-ranking U.S general, as part of the delegation showcased the U.S.’s seriousness on advancing its military and strategic cooperation with Vietnam.

He also had high praise and appreciation for Vietnam’s efforts in tackling and controlling the Covid-19 pandemic.

Vietnam’s foreign ministry spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang said Billingslea’s visit to Hanoi aimed to discuss bilateral relations as well as regional and global issues. She noted that the comprehensive partnership between Vietnam and the U.S. has seen steady progress of late.