Both sides expressed pleasure that the meeting took place precisely as Vietnam and the United States were celebrating the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Bui Thanh Son and Foreign Minister Marco Rubio reviewed the progress in bilateral relations, noting remarkable advancements in many areas over the past 30 years, with the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership becoming increasingly substantive and effective.

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Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The two ministers also discussed measures to further deepen bilateral relations, including promoting visits and contacts at all levels, especially at the high level; implementing high-level agreements and effectively utilizing bilateral cooperation mechanisms. Both sides agreed to actively coordinate the organization of activities commemorating the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The economy continues to be an important driving force in bilateral relations. Both sides agreed to build a balanced, stable, harmonious, and sustainable economic, trade, and investment cooperation relationship, resolving obstacles for the common benefit of both countries.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Bui Thanh Son requested the US to support Vietnam in its efforts to promote innovation, digital transformation, develop high-tech supply chains, and train high-quality human resources; he also highly appreciated the goodwill and cooperation of the US in supporting projects to address the consequences of war in Vietnam.

Foreign Minister Rubio affirmed the importance placed on the relationship with Vietnam, expressing a desire to promote cooperation with Vietnam in many fields, to jointly address outstanding issues, and to continue supporting Vietnam in overcoming the consequences of war, considering this as proof of trust and a symbol of the development of the relationship.

The two sides also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Bui Thanh Son requested that the United States continue to play an active role in contributing to maintaining peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region.

The US Secretary of State emphasized that the US supports ASEAN's central role and will continue to promote cooperation within the framework of the ASEAN-US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

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Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The two sides also exchanged views on the South China Sea issue and agreed on the importance of peace, security, stability, and freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea, resolving disputes through peaceful means in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son also met with the Vice President of the European Commission (EC) and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the positive developments in Vietnam-EU cooperation after 35 years of diplomatic relations, creating a solid foundation for both sides to consider promoting and elevating the relationship to a new level.

In the context of a complex global landscape, both sides need to continue to give high priority to strongly promoting cooperative relations, with a focus on trade and investment.

The Deputy Prime Minister requested the EU to expedite the ratification of the Vietnam-EU Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), to promptly lift the Yellow Card imposed on Vietnamese seafood exports; to encourage European businesses to invest in key Vietnamese projects in infrastructure, renewable energy, green transformation, digital transformation, and the environment; and to accelerate negotiations on the Vietnam-EFTA Free Trade Agreement.

Affirming that Vietnam is one of the EU's important partners in the region, the EC Vice President agreed that both sides should strengthen exchanges, especially high-level delegation exchanges, promote bilateral cooperation, make the most of the EVFTA Agreement, open markets, and make cooperation in science and technology, innovation, green transformation, and digital transformation new pillars in bilateral relations in the coming time.

Discussing regional and international issues, both sides affirmed the role and importance of the United Nations Charter and international law, agreeing that conflicts and disputes should be resolved peacefully through consultation and dialogue.

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Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son and British Foreign Secretary David Lamy. Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Sharing experiences in developing financial centers.

During the meeting with British Foreign Secretary David Lamy, both sides expressed satisfaction with the positive developments in bilateral relations; they agreed to continue coordinating efforts to promote high-level exchanges, contributing to strengthening political trust and creating momentum to elevate the already good cooperative relationship between the two countries to a new level.

Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son shared with the British Foreign Secretary the plan to develop regional and international financial centers in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang. This is a major policy of Vietnam aimed at promoting the restructuring of the growth model and enhancing the competitiveness of the economy.

The Deputy Prime Minister requested that the UK share its knowledge and experience in developing financial centers, support Vietnam in training and attracting human resources, and encourage British organizations and businesses to participate in developing financial centers in Vietnam.

The British Foreign Secretary assessed that the relationship between the two countries has developed very impressively in many areas, especially in trade and investment. He believes that both sides have many opportunities to boost trade and strengthen cooperation in new areas such as clean energy and renewable energy.

The British Foreign Secretary expressed interest and affirmed support for British businesses and experts participating in projects to build and develop Vietnam's financial center, thereby contributing to strengthening cooperation between the two countries.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/pho-thu-tuong-bui-thanh-son-gap-ngoai-truong-my-marco-rubio-2420810.html