Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of the U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Partnership with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in Hanoi.
Blinken said the U.S. will maintain its commitment to the partnership and working together with Vietnam, according to an April 15 news release issued by the U.S. Department of State.
“Met with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh today,” Blinken wrote in a April 15 Twitter post. “I thanked him for 10 years of success under the U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Partnership and celebrated its essential role in upholding our shared vision for an open, prosperous, resilient and peaceful Indo-Pacific.”
Additionally, they discussed Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) centrality, human rights and Vietnam's goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, the release reported. Blinken highlighted the importance role of Vietnam plays as a member of ASEAN and the importance of protecting human rights.
ASEAN was established Aug. 8, 1967, with the signing of the organization’s declaration by Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, according to its website. Those countries were later joined in the declaration by Brunei Darussalam Jan. 8, 1984; Vietnam July 28, 1995; Laos and Myanmar July 23, 1997; and Cambodia April 30, 1999.
The now 10 member Southeast Asia union operates with a dedication to maintaining and enhancing peace, security, stability and prosperity in the region and promoting regional cooperation and interdependence in the political, economic and socio-cultural spheres, the website reported.
The Indo-Pacific region strategy is focused on strengthening partnerships, advancing economic prosperity, promoting democratic values and ensuring security in the region. The U.S. aims to work with its allies and partners to address challenges posed by China's aggression and destabilizing the region’s activities. The strategy also includes initiatives to promote sustainable development, enhance digital connectivity and strengthen regional institutions.
The strategy notes the U.S. will pursue an Indo-Pacific region that is free and open, connected, prosperous, secure and resilient.
