Hanoi: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reaffirmed America’s commitment to deepening a “mutually beneficial” partnership with Vietnam during his talks with top Vietnamese officials in Hanoi on Sunday, as he underlined the transformation of the bilateral ties from former foes to “comprehensive strategic partners.”
According to Yonhap News Agency, Hegseth had back-to-back meetings with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee To Lam, State President Luong Cuong, and Defense Minister Phan Van Giang, as the two nations mark the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year. Hegseth emphasized the growth of the partnership and friendship over the past three decades, stating that the relations between the two countries have reached a comprehensive strategic level. He expressed optimism about the cooperation and friendship ahead.
Hegseth highlighted the goal of ensuring a stable, free, and secure Indo-Pacific region, beneficial to both the United States and Vietnam. Over the last decades, the bilateral partnership has evolved with efforts to ensure maritime security, enhance economic cooperation, and recover and identify the remains of American and Vietnamese troops killed during the Vietnam War.
During discussions with Defense Minister Phan Van Giang, Hegseth pointed out the importance of addressing the legacies of the Vietnam War, which remains a foundation of the bilateral defense relationship. He referenced the recent memorandum of understanding signed to reinforce cooperation in addressing war legacy issues as a significant step toward achieving a full accounting of U.S. service members lost during the war.
Hegseth and Giang also discussed defense trade and information sharing, with Hegseth applauding Vietnam’s military modernization and its commitment to regional security. He reiterated Washington’s commitment to maintaining peace and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region, supporting a strong and independent Vietnam as a strategic partner.
Later, Hegseth visited the Hanoi-based office of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, emphasizing the importance of recovery efforts for cooperation with Vietnam. He praised the joint efforts as foundational for significant strategic cooperation between the two countries.
Hegseth’s visit to Vietnam is part of a broader Asia tour, which will also include a stop in South Korea later this week.