During the phone call on 18/2 (this morning, Hanoi time), General Secretary To Lam expressed appreciation for the efforts by Senator Steve Daines, a member of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, in advocating for the US Senate's approval of the resolution "Celebrating 30 years of establishing diplomatic relations between the US and Vietnam," according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

General Secretary To Lam in a phone call with President Donald Trump in 7/2025. *Photo: TTXVN*

The General Secretary proposed that both sides develop the foundation of relations built over the past 30 years, including delegation exchanges and parliamentary cooperation. He also suggested maintaining stable, sustainable economic, trade, and investment ties. He called for the US Congress to continue allocating resources to help Vietnam address war consequences, particularly the dioxin detoxification project at Bien Hoa airport, unexploded ordnance clearance, support for people with disabilities and war victims, and accelerated efforts to search for, repatriate, and identify Vietnamese soldiers missing in action during the war.

The General Secretary emphasized Vietnam's commitment to continued full and responsible cooperation with the US in the search for US service members missing in action during the war.

Senator Steve Daines expressed admiration for Vietnam's socio-economic development. He noted with pleasure the US becoming Vietnam's second-largest trading partner, affirming Vietnam's role as a key economic partner for the US in the region. He hoped for an early finalization of a reciprocal trade agreement.

He expressed his wish for Vietnam to become a strong, independent, self-reliant, and prosperous nation. Senator Daines agreed on the importance of maintaining contact and delegation exchanges at all levels, especially high-level ones. He stated that he would personally prioritize further cooperation in addressing war consequences and other areas of mutual interest.

Senator Steve Daines at a Senate Finance Committee hearing in 3/2023. *Photo: AP*

Senator Steve Daines commended Vietnam's participation in the Peace Council, recognizing its role as an active, positive, and responsible member of the international community in addressing common regional and global issues.

In a phone call on the same day with Senator Bill Hagerty, a member of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the Senate Appropriations Committee, General Secretary To Lam affirmed Vietnam's consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, cooperation, and development, as well as multilateralizing and diversifying its external relations. Vietnam wishes to continue effectively and substantially implementing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the US.

Both sides expressed satisfaction that political trust between the two nations continues to strengthen, and economic, trade, and investment cooperation steadily expands.

The General Secretary regarded cooperation in addressing war consequences as a bright spot in the bilateral relationship.

Senator Bill Hagerty affirmed his desire for the Vietnam - US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to deepen further, based on the mutual interests of both nations.

He noted significant progress in negotiations for a reciprocal, fair, and balanced trade agreement, expressing confidence that Vietnam and the US would soon finalize the agreement. He emphasized that enhanced economic cooperation would strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Senator Bill Hagerty. *Photo: AFP*

Appreciating Vietnam's active and responsible cooperation in the search for US service members missing in action, Senator Hagerty stated that the US Congress and government would continue to work closely with Vietnam in addressing war consequences.

The US Senator also agreed with the General Secretary on the importance of maintaining regular contact and dialogue between the two sides. He expressed his desire to visit Vietnam again soon to directly discuss measures to promote bilateral relations and extended New Year greetings to the General Secretary and the people of Vietnam on the occasion of the Lunar New Year.

Vu Hoang