Vietnamese Party Chief To Lam to Visit the U.S. and Cuba

Politics John Brightwater September 20, 2024

Vietnamese Party Chief To Lam to Visit the U.S. and Cuba

Summary
General Secretary To Lam of Vietnam is set to visit the United States and Cuba from September 21 to 27 to attend the UN Summit of the Future and the 79th UN General Assembly. This visit marks his first multilateral engagements since taking office. The trip highlights Vietnam’s commitment to multilateral cooperation and strengthens ties with both nations, beneficial for economic and strategic interests.

The General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and State President To Lam, accompanied by his spouse and a delegation, will embark on official visits to the United States and Cuba from September 21 to 27, as announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In the United States, Mr. Lam will participate in the United Nations (UN) Summit of the Future scheduled for September 22-23, followed by the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly commencing on September 24. During his stay, he is expected to engage in several working sessions aimed at fostering bilateral ties and addressing global challenges. Following his U.S. visit, Mr. Lam and his delegation will head to Cuba, invited by the First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba and President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez. This trip marks the first multilateral engagement for Mr. Lam in his new roles and represents his inaugural visits to both the U.S. and Cuba. Mr. Lam’s attendance at these significant events underscores Vietnam’s commitment to multilateral cooperation and the vital role of the UN in today’s geopolitical landscape. He highlighted in a video message that the upcoming summit serves as a platform for reaffirming the indispensable values of the UN and multilateralism in navigating contemporary global challenges. He expressed hopes that the summit would stimulate innovative approaches for addressing future international issues, advocating discussions focused on transformations in science, technology, and governance. The U.S. visit follows the recent commemoration of one year since the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and the United States, a relationship that is poised to celebrate its three-decade anniversary of normalization in 2025. This partnership has led to significant advancements in various sectors, including trade, where the United States is Vietnam’s second-largest trading partner, resulting in nearly USD 111 billion in bilateral trade last year. The subsequent visit to Cuba will reinforce the enduring relationship between Vietnam and Cuba, highlighting Vietnam’s unwavering commitment to its longstanding ally. Diplomatic relations between the two nations date back to 1960, and the Vietnam – Cuba Trade Agreement has fostered substantial collaboration in areas such as agriculture, with Vietnam providing crucial support in rice cultivation and other agricultural endeavors. Additionally, Vietnamese enterprises are increasingly investing in Cuba, contributing to the potential economic growth of both nations. The dual trips to the U.S. and Cuba are anticipated to enhance bilateral relations, underscore Vietnam’s position on the international stage, and reflect the nation’s dedication to international cooperation and sustainable development.

The scheduled visits by General Secretary To Lam represent a strategic diplomatic engagement by Vietnam, emphasizing its commitment to strengthening partnerships with powerful nations. The U.S. visit aligns with the recent elevation of Vietnam-U.S. relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, which is expected to yield further economic cooperation and collaboration across various sectors. Meanwhile, the trip to Cuba signifies the importance Vietnam places on maintaining strong ties with historical allies, reinforcing a relationship that has existed since the Cold War era, characterized by mutual support in political and economic spheres. These visits not only reflect Vietnam’s active participation in global governance but also its prioritization of international alliances that foster economic growth and technological advancement.

In summary, General Secretary To Lam’s upcoming trips to the United States and Cuba signify a pivotal moment in Vietnam’s foreign relations, particularly as the nation seeks to enhance its role in multilateral diplomacy and strengthen bilateral ties with key partners. The participation in global forums such as the UN Summit of the Future and the General Assembly further reflects Vietnam’s commitment to addressing contemporary global challenges. Through these visits, Vietnam aims to reaffirm its historical alliances while pursuing innovative strategies for sustainable development and enhanced cooperation.

Original Source: tuoitrenews.vn