President Phuc meets US, China leaders to bolster relations

In a Friday exchange on the sideline of the 2022 APEC in Bangkok, Phuc and Harris said Vietnam and the U.S.’s comprehensive partnership has a solid foundation, and both countries are cooperating comprehensively on all fields, especially trade and the economy.

Vietnam President Nguyen Xuan Phuc (L) shakes hands with U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris in Bangkok, Thailand, November 18, 2022. Photo courtesy of the Vietnam News Agency

Phuc said Vietnam has always considered the U.S. to be one of its top partners, and that he wishes to bolster the two countries’ relations based on fundamental principles.

Harris said the U.S. also wants to bolster relations with Vietnam, bringing benefits for both countries and positively contributing to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world.

Phuc expressed his congratulations to the U.S. becoming the host for APEC 2023, and affirmed that Vietnam would cooperate with the U.S. to ensure a successful year of APEC.

Also on Friday, Phuc had a meeting with China’s General Party Secretary Xi Jinping on the sideline of APEC, affirming that Vietnam always highly values its relations with China, considering the relations to be a top priority for its external relations.

Vietnam President Nguyen Xuan Phuc (L) shakes hands with China’s General Party Secretary Xi Jinping in Bangkok, Thailand, November 18, 2022. Photo courtesy of the Vietnam News Agency

Xi said China is willing to bolster relations and cooperation with Vietnam. The two countries strive to bring their relations to the next step, he added.

President Phuc is on a four-day (November 16-19) visit to Thailand, combining an official visit to the neighboring country with attending the 2022 APEC Summit at the invitation of Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha.

The 2022 APEC Summit Week (November 14-19) is taking place in Bangkok.