On behalf of the US government, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has commended Vietnam for its successful Chairmanship of ASEAN in this challenging year, and appreciated its close coordination in the fight against Covid-19.

US Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo meets with Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh in Hanoi, Vietnam on February 26, 2019. Photo: Ron Przysucha/State Department

Pompeo made such a statement in a message of congratulations to the people of Vietnam on the country’s National Day (September 2).

In 2020, the US and Vietnam commemorate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the bilateral diplomatic relations. “The remarkable transformation of our relationship, across trade and investment, security cooperation, and people-to-people ties, is a testament to those who worked to overcome the past and build a better future for both our peoples.”

The two governments have recently signed an agreement that will bring Peace Corps volunteers to Vietnam for the first time ever, “a significant and symbolic milestone in this historic year for our two countries,” said the US Secretary of State.

“As we work together to build a more peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, I extend best wishes to the people of Vietnam,” Pompeo added.

Vietnam has been widely lauded for its Chairmanship of ASEAN this year. “Vietnam as ASEAN Chair 2020 responded to Covid-19 by demonstrating decisive leadership in re-orientating ASEAN to combat this threat to public health in Southeast Asia,” said Prof. Carl Thayer in an emailed interview with Hanoitimes.

Vietnam has donated locally-made medical supplies for 49 countries and two international organizations, including a spate of strategic partners, comprehensive partners and long-standing friends.