Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang. (Photo: VOV).

Speaking at a press briefing in Ha Noi on April 21, in response to reporters’ question regarding US Ambassador Marc Knapper’s recent statement wishing to elevate US-Viet Nam relations to the level of strategic partnership, Spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang said Viet Nam and the US established diplomatic relations 27 years ago, and the bilateral ties have since made great strides on the basis of mutual benefits and respect for each other’s independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and political institutions.

Ambassador Marc Knapper said at a press briefing in Ha Noi on April 20 that it is time to upgrade the relationship between the two countries, noting this is not only a priority of the US government, but also a primary focus of his working term in Viet Nam. He affirmed that the Indo-Pacific region is one of the top priorities in the US foreign policy, and Viet Nam plays a role in it.

At the press briefing, Spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang also informed that at the invitation of President Joe Biden, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh is set to visit the US and attend a special summit between ASEAN and the US in Washington DC in May to mark 45 years of their dialogue relations.

Ambassador Marc Knapper said the Biden administration is looking forward to receiving ASEAN leaders, including the Vietnamese Prime Minister.