New U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has described the Vietnam-U.S. relationship as a model for international relations, emphasizing that the two countries share numerous common interests, forming a strong foundation for further strengthening their ties.

Rubio made this statement during his first phone conversation with Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son on Friday evening, according to the foreign ministry.

The call marked a significant diplomatic exchange following Rubio's appointment as Secretary of State by President Donald Trump, who assumed office for a second term on January 20.

In his remarks, Deputy PM Son congratulated Rubio on his new role and reaffirmed that the U.S. remains a key comprehensive strategic partner for Vietnam.

Rubio responded by acknowledging the solid foundation of the Vietnam-U.S. relationship and underscoring that it serves as a model in global diplomacy, with both nations sharing substantial common goals that create a strong basis for further development in their bilateral relations.

As the two countries celebrate the 30th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic ties, Rubio expressed support for deepening the partnership, commending Son for his recommendations to further enhance cooperation between the two nations in the future.

During the conversation, Deputy PM Son praised Washington’s consistent support for a strong, independent, and prosperous Vietnam.

He also conveyed hopes that both sides would continue working closely to advance cooperation within the framework of the comprehensive strategic partnership for mutual benefits.

Rubio and Son discussed the need to promote high-level exchanges, address the lingering consequences of the war, and maintain momentum in boosting economic, trade, and investment cooperation.

They also emphasized the importance of collaboration in science, technology, and defense.

The two officials touched upon regional and international issues, including the promotion of the ASEAN-U.S. Strategic Partnership, the Mekong-U.S. Partnership, and ASEAN's central role in regional affairs.

In addition, they discussed the situation in the East Vietnam Sea and agreed to increase dialogue, contributing actively to peace, stability, and development in the region.

In closing, Deputy PM Son extended an invitation to Rubio to visit Vietnam, which the U.S. diplomat graciously accepted, expressing his enthusiasm to visit in the near future.

On the occasion of the upcoming Vietnamese Lunar New Year (Tet), which falls on January 29, Rubio extended his New Year wishes, on behalf of U.S. leaders, to the leaders and people of Vietnam.

Vietnam and the U.S. normalized their diplomatic relations in July 1995 and entered a comprehensive partnership in July 2013.

A decade later, on September 10, 2023, the two countries lifted their ties directly to a comprehensive strategic partnership, skipping the strategic partnership level, during then-U.S. President Joe Biden’s official visit to Vietnam.

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