Looking back at visits to the US by senior Vietnamese leaders

(Baonghean.vn) - On the occasion of Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc's visit to the US at the end of this month, let's review previous visits to the US by high-ranking leaders.

» Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc visits the US for the first time

1.Prime Minister Phan Van Khai's visit to the US in June 2005

In 2005, on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the establishment of relations, Prime Minister Phan Van Khai officially visited the United States. This was the first official visit to the United States by the head of the government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam after 30 years of the end of the war.

During the talks with President George W. Bush at the White House, the two leaders overcame obstacles in cultural differences, war consequences, as well as approaches to some sensitive issues. During this visit, the cooperation between the two countries also expanded to the field of security and defense, marking a new page in the history of Vietnam - America.

Prime Minister Phan Van Khai sent an important message to the US Government and the Vietnamese community living in the US: The Vietnam-US relationship is constantly developing in a spirit of looking towards the future.

2. President Nguyen Minh Triet's visit to the US in June 2007

The first visit of the Head of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to the United States took place in the context of the Vietnam-US relationship having been fully normalized and having positive developments, bringing about many practical results meeting the interests and aspirations of the people of the two countries.

President G. Bush expressed his admiration for Vietnam's economic development. President G. Bush said the relationship between the two sides would be better if the two sides could resolve differences on religion and human rights.

3.Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung's visit to the US in June 2008

With a focus on strengthening economic relations between Vietnam and the US, in June 2008, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung made an official visit to the US. He had a historic meeting with President George Bush.

At that time, the US was actively considering Vietnam's request to participate in the Generalized Tariff Preferences program and took note of Vietnam's request for the US to recognize its Market Economy Status.

4. President Truong Tan Sang's visit to the US in July 2013

At the meeting, the two leaders affirmed their commitment to opening a new phase for bilateral relations between Vietnam and the United States based on mutual respect and common interests. President Truong Tan Sang’s visit comes at an important time for both countries, reflecting the common desire to build a future-oriented relationship between the two countries.

Within the framework of the Vietnam-US Comprehensive Partnership, the two sides agreed to increase high-level exchanges and contacts at all levels and support the enhancement of dialogue and cooperation mechanisms. President Obama affirmed that the US supports Vietnam's independence, sovereignty, prosperity and international integration. President Truong Tan Sang welcomed the US to strengthen cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region, contributing to peace, stability and prosperity in the region.

5. General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong's visit to the US in July 2015

General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong's visit to the US takes place at a time when the two countries are celebrating the 20th anniversary of normalization of relations, with many activities as well as high-level visits, and the 40th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War.

Senior US officials welcomed General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong upon his arrival in Washington. On July 6, Vietnam Airlines and Boeing held a handover ceremony for the airline’s first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft under the presence and witness of the General Secretary.

Peace

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