A US Congressional delegation, led by Democratic Representative Gregory Meeks, a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, recently visited Vietnam to discuss measures to strengthen bilateral relations. Republican Representative Michael Baumgartner and congressional aides also joined the delegation.

Speaking to the press in Hanoi on 27/5, Representative Meeks highlighted Vietnam's significant role in its relationship with the United States. He emphasized that the joint visit with his Republican colleague, Representative Baumgartner, underscored this importance.

"We traveled here together because we want the Vietnamese people to know that both the Republican and Democratic parties share a belief in Vietnam's importance," Meeks stated.

During their visit, the US delegation met with Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of National Defense Phan Van Giang and Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Nguyen Doan Anh. Meeks affirmed that these discussions reinforced the strength of the Vietnam-US relationship, both presently and in the future.

Democratic Representative Gregory Meeks in Hanoi on 27/5. *Ngoc Anh*

"I want to stress that from the US Congress, we extend tremendous bipartisan support for the Vietnam-US partnership," he added.

Representative Baumgartner noted that this marked his and Meeks' second visit to Vietnam. Following their meetings, the delegation was scheduled to travel to Singapore for the Shangri-La Dialogue.

"We understand that Vietnam will play an important role at this forum," Baumgartner remarked, referring to General Secretary, President To Lam's upcoming keynote speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue.

During the meeting with the US Congressional delegation on 26/5, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of National Defense Phan Van Giang affirmed Vietnam's appreciation for its relationship with the United States. He expressed Vietnam's desire for both sides to continue effectively implementing agreed-upon accords, fostering greater understanding, trust, and practical cooperation in line with each country's needs, capabilities, and interests, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of National Defense Phan Van Giang highlighted cooperation in addressing war legacies as a deeply humanitarian aspect of the bilateral relationship. He requested continued US resources and close coordination with Vietnam in tackling Agent Orange/dioxin issues, unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance, supporting people with disabilities, and searching for missing in action (MIA) personnel.

Republican Representative Michael Baumgartner in Hanoi on 27/5. *Ngoc Anh*

In their meeting with Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Nguyen Doan Anh on the same day, the US representatives acknowledged that economic and trade ties remain a crucial driver of the bilateral relationship. They recognized efforts by both sides to promote dialogue and negotiation to address trade issues, including tariffs, towards balanced benefits within the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Nguyen Doan Anh urged the United States to promptly recognize Vietnam's market economy status. He also called for expanded cooperation in science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, energy, and strategic minerals, alongside continued collaboration in addressing war legacies and searching for MIA personnel.

He expressed hope that the US would maintain an active and responsible role in promoting peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the Asia-Pacific region. This includes upholding peace, security, safety, and freedom of navigation and aviation in the East Sea based on international law and the United Nations Charter.

The US representatives reiterated their support for peaceful dispute resolution based on international law. They also committed to enhancing coordination with Vietnam in regional and international forums.