Vietnam’s Party General Secretary To Lam and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man met with U.S. Senator Steve Daines in Hanoi on Thursday, marking the senator’s first official visit to Vietnam and the first by an American federal lawmaker this year.

During their meeting, General Secretary Lam welcomed Daines and emphasized the importance of his visit in strengthening the growing partnership between the two countries. 

Lam praised the progress made over the past 30 years of bilateral ties, calling the Vietnam-U.S. relationship a model of international cooperation.

He noted that the elevation of the relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership has brought tangible results in diplomacy, trade, investment, education, and cultural exchange. 

To build on this progress, Lam outlined several key areas for deeper cooperation, particularly in trade and investment, which he called the cornerstone of bilateral ties.

He also encouraged expanded collaboration in sectors where the U.S. has advantages and Vietnam has increasing demand, such as high technology, innovation, energy, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture. 

Lam further stressed the importance of addressing war legacy issues and welcomed continued U.S. support in this area.

Senator Daines recalled a phone call between Lam and then U.S. President-elect Donald Trump following the 2024 election, highlighting it as a sign of the Trump administration’s commitment to the Vietnam-U.S. relationship.

Daines expressed strong support for broadening cooperation across sectors, particularly in trade and energy. 

He also thanked Vietnam’s law enforcement for its role in tackling synthetic drug trafficking, especially fentanyl, and called for ongoing cooperation in combating drug crimes and managing illegal migration.

Later in the day, National Assembly Chairman Man also received Senator Daines, further reinforcing Vietnam’s commitment to strengthening ties with the U.S.

Daines, a Republican who has served in the U.S. Senate since 2015, is the first U.S. federal lawmaker to visit Vietnam in 2025, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

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