Meeting with Blinken in New York on September 23 on the sidelines of the 76th UN General Assembly, Phuc suggested the two countries continue exchanging high-level delegations and creating more favourable conditions for large US firms, especially high-tech ones, to invest in Vietnam, as well as ensuring the harmonious development of trade relations.
On this occasion, Phuc thanked the US for being one of the largest donors of COVID-19 vaccines to countries, including Vietnam, through the COVAX Facility.
Vietnam has so far received 5 million doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine and one million doses of the Pfizer vaccine donated by the US.
Secretary Blinken reiterated the Biden administration’s new commitment to contributing half a billion doses of vaccines more to countries, and said Vietnam and other countries will continue to receive more vaccines through the COVAX Facility.
During his online exchange with Patrick Leahy, President pro tempore of the US Senate, President Phuc affirmed that Vietnam always attaches importance to and wishes to deepen relations with the US on the basis of mutual respect and benefits.
He highly appreciated the leadership role of US Congress and Senator Leahy personally in mobilizing the US Government to provide Vietnam with vaccines and medical equipment. He requested that the Senator further promote cooperation between the two countries in these fields.
President Phuc also thanked Senator Leahy for his tireless efforts and positive contributions to overcoming the consequences of war between the two countries, including dioxin remediation projects at Da Nang and Bien Hoa airports in Vietnam. He invited the Senator to visit Vietnam when conditions permit.
Senator Patrick Leahy affirmed that he will continue to support Vietnam in dealing with war consequences, including assisting war victims and Agent Orange/dioxin victims. He reiterated the US’s commitment to regional and global issues such as climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic and maritime security, affirming that the US will continue to cooperate and support countries, including Vietnam, to jointly respond to these challenges.
