The trip is scheduled for 18-20/2 at the invitation of US President Donald Trump, Founding Chairman of the Peace Council on Gaza, according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

President Trump extended the invitation to General Secretary To Lam and Vietnam on 16/1, inviting them to join the Peace Council as a founding member state. The aim is to work with the international community to promote a sustainable peace solution for the conflict in the Gaza Strip.

General Secretary To Lam accepted the invitation, affirming Vietnam's readiness to participate as a founding member state of the Peace Council. Vietnam is prepared to contribute actively with the US and the international community towards a long-term, comprehensive solution for the Middle East peace process. This includes the establishment of a Palestinian State coexisting peacefully alongside the State of Israel.

General Secretary To Lam during a phone call with President Trump in July 2025. *Photo: TTXVN*

Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son previously led a Vietnamese delegation on 22/1 to the Charter Signing Ceremony of the Peace Council on ending the conflict in the Gaza Strip. This took place on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland.

The Peace Council is considered the most viable initiative since the conflict erupted in the Gaza Strip in 10/2023. It aims to facilitate dialogue and negotiations among relevant parties to end the conflict, moving towards a sustainable peace solution for the region. Most invited countries, including those who signed the Peace Council Charter in Davos, have accepted participation to demonstrate their support and political commitment. However, they are currently in the phase of exploring and developing implementation plans, without having made specific commitments for contributions or participation.

Vietnam and the US normalized diplomatic relations in 1995. In 9/2023, the two countries upgraded their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership. The US stands as Vietnam's largest export market, while Vietnam is the US's 8th largest trade partner and the largest trade partner within the ASEAN region.

The US is the 11th largest foreign investor out of 108 countries and territories investing in Vietnam, with approximately 1,409 investment projects totaling over 11.9 billion USD. Conversely, the US ranks 7th among 80 countries and territories receiving Vietnamese investment, with 230 investment projects having a total registered capital of nearly 1.3 billion USD.

Pham Giang