US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Vietnamese Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung at the US Department of State on 19/2, during a visit by a Vietnamese delegation led by General Secretary To Lam for the inaugural meeting of the Gaza Peace Council.

Secretary Rubio thanked Vietnam for being one of the first nations to accept the invitation to join the Peace Council. He stated that Vietnam's participation is significant, highlighting its increasing proactivity and engagement in addressing common challenges regionally and globally, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Rubio also commended Vietnam's growing role and influence in regional and multilateral forums, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Group of leading developed and emerging economies (G20), and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. He emphasized the importance of resolving disputes through peaceful means and respecting the interests of all parties.

The Secretary of State affirmed US support for a strong, independent, self-reliant, and prosperous Vietnam, aligning with the interests of both nations' people. He praised Vietnam's economic and social achievements, suggesting its development model is suitable for many countries. Rubio noted that the bilateral relationship has a solid foundation built on shared interests. Regarding economic and trade cooperation, he expressed hope that both sides would soon finalize reciprocal tax negotiations, establishing a framework to advance bilateral cooperation in this and other areas.

Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung (left) meets with Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the US Department of State, 19/2. Photo: X/Secretary Marco Rubio.

Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung affirmed Vietnam's commitment to a stable, long-term relationship with the US. He proposed continued coordination to enhance political trust, promote high-level delegation exchanges, and strengthen cooperation in economy, defense-security, war aftermath remediation, and science-technology.

Regarding international issues, Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung welcomed Washington's sustained interest and responsible contributions to regional peace, security, and development. He particularly appreciated President Trump's Peace Council Initiative and thanked the President for inviting Vietnam to join the Council.

The Minister reiterated Vietnam's readiness to leverage its role and favorable conditions to work with the US and the international community in promoting peace, stability, cooperation, and development both regionally and globally.

US President Donald Trump sent an invitation letter on 16/1 to General Secretary To Lam and Vietnam to join the Gaza Peace Council as a founding member nation. This aims to work with the international community to promote a sustainable peace solution for the conflict between Israel and Palestine in the Gaza Strip.

On 19/2, General Secretary To Lam attended the inaugural meeting of the Gaza Peace Council. Heads of state and leaders from more than 50 nations participated in the event. President Trump expressed his deep respect for Vietnam.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vietnam's participation in the Gaza Peace Council aims to contribute to ending the conflict in the Gaza Strip, protecting civilians, ensuring safe and unimpeded humanitarian access, rebuilding essential infrastructure, and fostering a credible political process towards lasting and sustainable peace in the Middle East region.

Vietnam's consistent stance is that all disputes and conflicts must be resolved through peaceful means, based on international law, the United Nations Charter, and respect for the fundamental rights and legitimate interests of all parties involved.