Hanoi, January 25, 2025 – The Europe Today: Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bùi Thanh Sơn held phone talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the evening of January 24, marking a significant step in strengthening the Vietnam–US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
During the call, Sơn congratulated Rubio on his recent appointment as Secretary of State, emphasizing the importance of the United States as a leading comprehensive strategic partner of Vietnam. He expressed appreciation for US support in fostering a strong, independent, self-reliant, and prosperous Vietnam and voiced hope for continued cooperation to enhance bilateral ties.
Sơn highlighted the mutual benefits of the Vietnam–US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and its contributions to peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and globally. He also extended congratulations from Vietnam’s Party, State, and Government leaders to US President Donald J. Trump and Vice President James David Vance.
Secretary of State Rubio acknowledged the solid foundation of US–Vietnam relations, underscored by shared interests. As the two countries celebrate the 30th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations, Rubio expressed optimism about deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He praised Vietnam’s proactive approach in advancing bilateral relations and echoed Sơn’s vision for future collaboration.
Rubio affirmed that the US–Vietnam relationship serves as a model in international relations, highlighting its strong foundation and shared objectives as key factors for continued growth.
The two officials agreed on the importance of high-level delegation exchanges in 2025, a year marking three decades of normalized diplomatic ties. Discussions also focused on joint efforts to address war legacy issues, foster economic, trade, and investment cooperation, and advance collaboration in science, technology, and defense-security for the benefit of both nations’ people.
Regional cooperation was a focal point, with both sides emphasizing the need to promote the ASEAN-US Strategic Partnership, the Mekong-US Partnership, and the centrality of ASEAN. They also discussed developments in the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea) and reaffirmed the importance of dialogue to ensure peace, stability, and development in the region.
On behalf of US leaders, Rubio extended Lunar New Year 2025 greetings to Vietnam’s leaders and people. Sơn reiterated his invitation for Rubio to visit Vietnam, which the US Secretary of State warmly accepted, expressing his wish to visit the country soon.
The conversation highlighted the shared commitment of Vietnam and the US to further strengthening their partnership for mutual benefit and regional stability.