President thanks the noble gesture of the US to Vietnam

On the afternoon of January 12, at the Presidential Palace, Politburo member and President Luong Cuong received US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper to bid farewell on the occasion of the end of his term.

Congratulating Ambassador Marc Knapper on successfully concluding his term in Vietnam with many positive results, President Luong Cuong reviewed a number of outstanding events in Vietnam - US relations during the period of Ambassador Marc Knapper's work in Vietnam, including the two countries upgrading their relations to the level of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership - the highest level of cooperation in Vietnam's foreign policy; highly appreciated the Ambassador's positive contributions contributing to the relationship's continued effective and sustainable development, going into depth on the basis of respect for each other's sovereign independence, territorial integrity, and political institutions and mutual benefit.

The President also expressed his impression of Ambassador Marc Knapper's affection for the country, people and culture of Vietnam; and expressed his gratitude to the US Government and Embassy for supporting more than 2 million USD to Vietnamese localities affected by natural disasters in the past year; emphasizing that this is a noble gesture, demonstrating the spirit of humanity and timely sharing of the US Government and people for the Vietnamese people in difficult times.

Regarding cooperation in overcoming the consequences of war, the President assessed this as a bright spot and a work of special importance in helping to build trust, promote reconciliation and enhance mutual understanding between the two sides; at the same time, he acknowledged the persistent efforts of Ambassador Marc Knapper and suggested that the two sides continue to strengthen cooperation in this field.

On this occasion, President Luong Cuong affirmed that Vietnam consistently implements the foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralization, and diversification, is a friend, a trusted partner, and an active, responsible member of the international community.

Vietnam always attaches importance to its relationship with the US, hoping to continue to expand relations in an increasingly practical direction, going into depth in many fields, from politics - diplomacy, economics - trade, security - defense, education, people-to-people exchanges, science - technology, humanitarianism, overcoming the consequences of war, commensurate with the potential and meeting the needs and interests of the people of the two countries.

Sincerely thanking the President for taking the time to meet, Ambassador Marc Knapper expressed his agreement with the President's assessment of the Vietnam - US relationship; and shared his pride and joy at witnessing and contributing to the increasingly substantial development of bilateral relations.

Ambassador Marc Knapper believes that the Vietnam - US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will continuously grow, continue to be a model in international relations for reconciliation, put the past behind, and looking towards the future.

Ambassador Marc Knapper affirmed that, regardless of his position, he will continue to be a friend of Vietnam and contribute to the extensive development of bilateral, regional and international relations.

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