During a press conference on 1/10, when asked about the reciprocal trade agreement negotiations between Vietnam and the US, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Pham Thu Hang referenced a meeting on 21/9 between General Secretary, President To Lam and Ambassador Jamieson Greer, US Trade Representative (USTR), in New York.

At the meeting, both sides acknowledged positive progress in the negotiation process towards the early signing of a fair and balanced reciprocal trade agreement, creating a stable, long-term framework for economic, trade, and investment relations between Vietnam and the US.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Pham Thu Hang. *Photo: BNG*.

"On that basis, Vietnam and the US are continuing discussions to promote trade negotiations to achieve positive results, ensuring the legitimate interests of people and businesses, in accordance with each country's development conditions," Ms. Hang said.

During the meeting with General Secretary, President To Lam on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly session on 21/9, Mr. Greer assessed that the two negotiating teams had made significant efforts and substantial progress, and were "very close to a final outcome". According to the US Trade Representative, once signed and implemented, this trade agreement will open up more opportunities and cooperation potential between the two countries.

General Secretary, President To Lam received Ambassador Jamieson Greer, US Trade Representative (USTR), in New York on 21/9. *Photo: TTXVN*.

General Secretary, President To Lam welcomed the significant positive results achieved by both sides towards the early signing of the Agreement. According to him, this agreement will create a stable, long-term framework for Vietnam-US economic, trade, and investment relations.

At the meeting, General Secretary, President To Lam affirmed that Vietnam considers economic, trade, and investment cooperation one of the most important pillars of its relationship with the US. He expressed his desire for Vietnam and the US to continue promoting substantive bilateral economic, trade, and investment relations, bringing benefits to the people of both countries.

Ngoc Anh