Vietnam’s international presence received a significant boost as Tô Lâm, the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President, concluded a five-day visit to the United States and Canada. The visit, which took place from September 20 to 25, aimed at enhancing Vietnam’s global engagement and strengthening bilateral relations with these nations.
During his visit, Tô Lâm participated in the high-level General Debate of the 81st United Nations General Assembly session, marking his inaugural appearance at the UN in his current leadership role. This visit also represented his first official trips to the US and Canada after Vietnam’s latest political transition. In his address to the UN, Tô Lâm underscored Vietnam’s commitment to global and regional issues, advocating for stronger multilateral cooperation and an increased role for the UN in tackling international challenges.
In addition to his UN appearance, Tô Lâm engaged in discussions with senior officials, lawmakers, business leaders, academics, and Vietnamese communities in both the US and Canada. Talks with US counterparts focused on enhancing bilateral relations and exploring mutual interests, particularly in trade and investment. Meanwhile, the visits also facilitated agreements in various sectors, including technology, education, energy, and transport.
Significantly, the visit to Canada culminated in an agreement to elevate the Vietnam-Canada relationship to a Strategic Partnership. This new level of cooperation will be supported by an action plan covering several areas, further cementing the countries’ collaboration.
Vietnamese Foreign Minister Lê Hoài Trung highlighted the importance of implementing the commitments made during Tô Lâm’s trip, emphasizing the potential for increased cooperation in science and technology, trade, investment, defense and security, energy, and education. Notably, nuclear energy cooperation was identified as an emerging area with significant potential for expanded collaboration.