US Senate Committee supports stronger relations with Vietnam

Senator Jim Risch, Chairman of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee

In his statement, Risch noted that over the past quarter century, the United States and Vietnam have overcome the wounds of war to build a strong partnership in the areas of trade, development, public health, energy, defense, and people-to-people ties.

“I am committed to advancing U.S. efforts to support a strong, prosperous, and independent Vietnam and deepen our comprehensive partnership. The United States must continue to prioritize engagement with Vietnam on important areas such as regional security, trade and economic cooperation, as well as human rights and the rule of law.”

He also voiced the US recognition and support for Vietnam’s chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as the Southeast Asian nation assumed that role this year. Despite limitations on in-person engagements this year due to COVID-19, he said the United States applauds Vietnam’s work in promoting a “Cohesive and Responsive ASEAN.”

“The United States remains committed to future cooperation with Vietnam and other ASEAN partners to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific region and tackle shared challenges,” Risch stressed.