Remarks by President Biden and General Secretary Tô Lâm of Vietnam Before Bilateral Meeting | New York, NY

InterContinental New York Barclay
New York, New York

2:17 P.M. EDT

PRESIDENT BIDEN:  Well, General Secretary, it’s great to see you again, have you here in the United States.  We appreciate it.

Is this simultaneous interpretation?

One year ago, in Hanoi, we began a new era of relations with Vietnam and the United States, and we elevated our partnership to the highest level as possible.  Since then, we’ve been — I’ve been very proud of the progress we’ve made.

First of all, we made historic investments in semiconductors and supply chains.  And I want to note this was made possible through our CHIPS and Science Act here at home.

Second, we launched unprecedented cooperation on cybersecurity.

And third, we stood united building a more open and secure Indian Ocean committed to freedom of navigation and the rule of law.

And finally, we continue our pathbreaking work to heal the wounds of war.  I’m proud that we, the United States, have committed $215 million to complete the detox — the tox- — the detox remediation, as well as — as we have many more things to do as well.

Secretary General, as I — or General Secretary, I should say — I suggested at the U.N. address, there’s nothing beyond our capacity when we work together.  So, we welcome you all and looking forward to our conversation.

The floor is yours.

GENERAL SECRETARY LÂM:  (As interpreted.)  It’s a great pleasure to meet with you again, Mr. President.  Well, this is the third time we met.  As the Vietnamese proverb says, “It feels like a destined encounter.”

First, on behalf of the party, the state, and people of Vietnam and the family of the late General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng, I wish to convey our heartfelt gratitude to you, Mr. President, for your sincere condolences on his passing and thank you for dispatching State Secretary Antony Blinken and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan to pay their respects.

We deeply value the warm regards from the United States and from you personally, President Biden, towards late General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng.  And even during his lifetime, the late general secretary often spoke of you with fond memories and sincere appreciation.

His historic visit to the U.S. in 2015 followed by your visit to Vietnam in September last year were historic milestones and have significantly advanced the growth of the Vietnam-U.S. relations, resulting in a higher level of the relations that we enjoy today.

We appreciate very much your liking towards Vietnam, and your historic contributions have been pivotal in elevating our bilateral relations to the comprehensive strategic partnership as we enjoy today. 

Thank you very much, once again, Mr. President.

PRESIDENT BIDEN:  Thank you.  And, again, welcome.  And welcome to all of you. 

Thank you.

2:22 P.M. EDT