Deputy Prime Minister Le Minh Khai receives US Ambassador Marc E. Knapper

The Vietnamese government highly appreciates the consistent message from the United States supporting a “strong, independent, self-reliant, and prosperous” Vietnam.

Deputy Prime Minister Le Minh Khai receives US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc E. Knapper. (Source: VNA)

On the afternoon of January 31, Deputy Prime Minister Le Minh Khai met with US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc E. Knapper to discuss several issues related to the implementation of agreements reached by high-level leaders after the two countries upgraded their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Expressing his pleasure at meeting Ambassador Marc E. Knapper on the occasion of the New Year 2024, Deputy Prime Minister Le Minh Khai said that 2024 is the first year that the two countries will implement the agreement of the High-Level Leaders, bringing the bilateral relationship to continue developing in depth, comprehensively, stably and sustainably. For Vietnam, the United States is a strategically important partner.

The Vietnamese government highly appreciates the consistent message from the United States supporting a "strong, independent, self-reliant, and prosperous" Vietnam; and emphasizes its readiness to work with the United States to implement the detailed plan outlined in the high-level agreement and the Joint Statement related to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Welcoming the United States' enhanced responsible cooperation with the Asia- Pacific region through the Indo-Pacific Strategy and regional initiatives, the Deputy Prime Minister hoped that the United States would continue to support ASEAN's central role as well as the ASEAN-US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the Mekong-US Partnership, and continue to make positive contributions to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world, as well as for the benefit of both countries.

Regarding the discussion on recognizing Vietnam as a market economy, Deputy Prime Minister Le Minh Khai stated that this is an issue of great concern to the high-level leaders of both countries. He requested the Ambassador to continue to speak out strongly and contribute to promoting the early recognition of this status by the United States, hoping that this process will be completed as early as 2024.

The Deputy Prime Minister also mentioned the need to facilitate increased economic and trade cooperation, especially in the new context where the two countries have a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Scene from the reception. (Source: VNA)

Thanking the Deputy Prime Minister for taking the time to receive him, Ambassador Marc E. Knapper said that 2023 was the most important year in the bilateral relations between the two countries with many high-level visits, most notably the visit of the US President to Vietnam.

During this visit, the senior leaders of the two countries agreed to upgrade their comprehensive strategic partnership. He also affirmed that the United States is always ready and eager to cooperate with Vietnam.

In 2024, both sides are responsible for implementing the agreements reached. The United States intends to realize the signed documents, including the Joint Statement and Action Plan, and the memorandum of understanding in the semiconductor sector. These documents must be fully implemented. The United States looks forward to working closely with Vietnam to fulfill its promise to the people of both countries, which is to further strengthen bilateral relations, the comprehensive strategic partnership, and beyond.

Ambassador Marc E. Knapper provided information on some aspects of the work the United States has undertaken in fulfilling its commitment to helping Vietnam develop its semiconductor industry; emphasizing that an ecosystem is necessary to achieve this.

US companies are eager to invest in Vietnam, but they need a favorable legal environment, easier access to clean and reliable energy sources, and IT infrastructure provided by trustworthy suppliers. They also need a highly skilled workforce. These issues need to be addressed within the next 12-18 months.

The ambassador suggested that one way Vietnam could attract investment into the semiconductor chip sector is through an expanded Information Technology Agreement within the WTO framework.

Another area where both sides have agreed to deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership is clean energy. The US is working with the State Bank and the Ministry of Finance to provide green financing and green bonds.

Referring to the new regulations on the management and use of non-refundable aid, the Ambassador expressed his desire for consideration and facilitation of cooperation projects between the two sides. Regarding the issue of recognizing Vietnam's market economy, Ambassador Marc E. Knapper said that the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is reviewing the details urgently and hopes to be able to complete it by June 2024.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/pho-thu-tuong-le-minh-khai-tiep-dai-su-hoa-ky-marc-e-knapper-259468.html