In a historic move, on Sep 11th, 2023, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and President Joe Biden have issued a joint statement, elevating the relationship to US-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
This upgrade signifies a significant milestone in the bilateral ties, focusing on specific areas of cooperation that promise to benefit both nations and contribute to peace, stability, cooperation, and prosperity in the region and the world.
The joint statement emphasizes fundamental principles guiding US-Vietnam relations, including respecting the United Nations Charter, international law, and each other’s political institutions, independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. Both countries pledge to deepen their cooperation across various sectors to ensure the well-being of their people while promoting peace and stability regionally and globally.
1.Political and Diplomatic Cooperation
The leaders highlight their commitment to enhance regular exchanges and contacts at all levels to foster mutual understanding and strengthen political trust. They also support improving the effectiveness of existing dialogue mechanisms and establishing an annual Dialogue between the Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs and the U.S. Secretary of State.
2. Economic, Trade, and Investment
Both sides agree to create more favorable conditions and open markets for goods and services from each country, while supporting trade and economic policies within the framework of the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement. They will work together to address market access barriers through the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement.
3. Science and Technology, Innovation
Cooperation in science, technology, innovation, and a skilled workforce is seen as a breakthrough in the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The United States commits to providing support for Vietnam in training and developing a high-tech workforce.
4.Semiconductor Ecosystem Development
Vietnam and the U.S. express support for the rapid development of the semiconductor ecosystem in Vietnam and intend to actively cooperate to enhance Vietnam’s position in the global semiconductor supply chain.
5. Education and Training
In education and training, the United States announces specific plans to support Vietnam in training a high-quality workforce to help Vietnam achieve its development goals.
6.Climate, Energy, Environment, and Health
The two countries will collaborate in the Mekong Delta and Red River Delta regions to adapt to climate change and reduce intersectoral climate change impacts. They will also work to address pollution and support voluntary technical cooperation related to modernizing power transmission infrastructure, integrating renewable energy, and developing climate markets.
7.Climate Commitments
President Biden applauds Vietnam’s climate commitments under the Joint Effort to Empower a Climate Resilient Economy (JETP) and its target to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The United States pledges financial and advanced technology support to help Vietnam fulfill its international climate commitments.
8.Health Security
Both leaders acknowledge the significant contributions of bilateral cooperation in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. They commit to enhance coordination for global health security, including preventing, detecting, and responding to pandemics and other global health threats.
9.War Legacy Issues
The leaders prioritize cooperation in addressing war legacy issues. This includes completing the dioxin cleanup at Bien Hoa Airbase, increasing support for bomb and mine clearance, and enhancing assistance to people with disabilities due to various causes. The United States continues to support Vietnam in locating and identifying missing soldiers and improving DNA testing capabilities.
10.Cultural Exchange and People-to-People Ties
The leaders agree to promote two-way tourism, business cooperation, expert and academic exchanges, and educational opportunities. They appreciate the significant contributions of the Vietnamese-American community to the development of bilateral relations.
11. Defense and Security Cooperation
Both leaders welcome increased cooperation to promote defense trade, defense industry cooperation, as well as regional security. The United States commits to supporting Vietnam’s defense self-reliance capabilities in line with Vietnam’s needs and established mechanisms.
12. Rule of Law and Human Rights
The leaders underscore the importance of advancing and protecting human rights through candid dialogue mechanisms like the Human Rights Dialogue and the Vietnam-U.S. Labor Dialogue. These mechanisms aim to enhance mutual understanding and reduce differences.
In conclusion, the elevation of Vietnam-U.S. relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership reflects a shared commitment to peace, stability, and cooperation. This new chapter in their bilateral relations promises to bring significant benefits to both countries and contribute to regional and global prosperity and security. As President Biden’s state visit to Vietnam unfolds, it marks a crucial moment in the evolving dynamics of this strategic partnership.
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