Vietnam Aims to Elevate US Partnership, PM Meets New Ambassador

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung met with the new US Ambassador on July 13, reaffirming that Vietnam consistently regards the US as one of its most important partners. He expressed support for the US's constructive role in promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and the world, and wished to elevate the Vietnam–US comprehensive strategic partnership to a new level for the benefit of the two countries' people. This meeting highlights Vietnam's efforts to enhance its international standing amidst rapid economic growth. Under its one-party system, Vietnam prioritizes strengthening ties with major powers for economic development, with the US relationship being strategically crucial for deepening cooperation in security, trade, and advanced technology. Concurrently, Vietnam navigates a complex relationship with China, facing ongoing issues such as the South China Sea dispute. Despite these challenges, deep economic interdependence necessitates a balance between de-escalation and cooperation, a key element of Vietnam's foreign policy. The meeting between the Prime Minister and the US Ambassador can be seen as part of Vietnam's diplomatic strategy to maximize its national interests by maintaining geopolitical balance. Particularly, as China's regional influence grows, strengthening ties with the US is considered to broaden Vietnam's strategic options for both security and economic development. Other domestic events reported on the same day included medical support for survivors of a tragic canoe capsize off Phu Quoc Island, the search for remains of fallen soldiers in the Central Highlands, and the promotion of tourism leveraging ethnic cultural heritage. These indicate Vietnam's focus on improving citizens' lives and addressing historical issues alongside economic development. The last seriously injured victim of the deadly canoe capsize off Phu Quoc Island was transferred to Cho Ray Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City on July 13 for further treatment. Members of Team K51 under the Dak Lak Provincial Military Command are continuing their search for the remains of fallen Vietnamese soldiers across the Central Highlands, overcoming difficult terrain to help reunite missing war heroes with their families decades after the war ended. Over the past few years, many mountainous communes in the central province of Thanh Hoa province have promoted community-based tourism alongside the preservation of ethnic cultural heritage. The approach has helped make tourism a key economic sector, boosting local incomes and contributing to poverty reduction. Police in An Giang province have launched a criminal investigation and detained Nguyen Hong Hai, captain of the speedboat that capsized off Phu Quoc, for alleged violations of regulations linked to the accident that killed 15 Indian tourists. After more than a month of spectacular fireworks over the Han River, Portugal's Macedos Pirotecnia was crowned champion of the 2026 Da Nang International Fireworks Festival (DIFF). Drawing tens of thousands of spectators each night, the festival once again cemented Da Nang's reputation as a leading destination for international events and festivals. As travellers increasingly seek authentic local experiences, Hanoi is encouraging hotels and accommodation providers to become cultural destinations in their own right. By integrating traditional crafts and local design into hospitality spaces, the city aims to enrich tourism while preserving its heritage. Following the canoe capsize off Phu Quoc, authorities in An Giang province and the Phu Quoc Special Zone are mobilising all available resources to provide medical care for the victims. In Kim Lien commune, Nghe An province - the hometown of President Ho Chi Minh, the lotus is more than a cherished cultural symbol. By combining high-value lotus products with immersive tourism experiences, the locality is creating new economic opportunities for residents while enriching the visitor experience and showcasing the unique heritage of the Land of Lotus. France’s online magazine Journal des Français à l'étranger has described the central coastal city of Da Nang as the "Miami of Vietnam", praising its affordable living costs, improving infrastructure and high quality of life, making it an increasingly popular destination for digital nomads. The Coast Guard Region 4 Command deployed personnel and vessels for search and rescue operations on the afternoon of July 11, immediately after receiving reports of the capsizing of the Osean Pearl passenger canoe near May Rut Ngoai Island in the Phu Quoc Special Zone of An Giang province. Search and rescue operations following a canoe capsize off Phu Quoc Island were completed by 3:30 pm on July 11, with all 36 people on board brought ashore. They included 32 Indian tourists, one tour guide and three crew members. Twenty-one people were rescued, while 15 were confirmed dead. Prime Minister Le Minh Hung has called for the building of an elite, professional and rapidly deployable international search and rescue force as Vietnam seeks to strengthen its capacity to respond to global humanitarian emergencies and contribute more actively to international disaster relief efforts. The Central Public Security Party Committee and the Ministry of Public Security hosted a ceremony in Hanoi on July 11 to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the traditional day of the People's Security Force and receive the Gold Star Order, a prestigious award bestowed by the Party and the State. A special flight carrying Vietnam's military and police search and rescue team home from Venezuela landed safely at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi on the evening of July 10 after successfully completing a 10-day earthquake relief mission. Vietnam attracted 34.65 billion USD in foreign direct investment (FDI) in the first six months of 2026, while realised FDI reached its highest first-half level in five years, according to the National Statistics Office (NSO). Nestled along the scenic coastline of southern Vietnam, Phuoc Hai commune in Ho Chi Minh City combines pristine beaches, rich fishing traditions and a tranquil atmosphere. As demand for sustainable and experience-based tourism continues to grow, the coastal destination is emerging as a promising new attraction for both domestic and international visitors. Vietnam's domestic carbon exchange officially commenced operations on June 29, marking the launch of the country's carbon market. For Ho Chi Minh City, home to a large concentration of manufacturing and export businesses, the platform opens new opportunities to join global green value chains while underscoring the need for technological upgrades, emissions management and compliance with carbon standards. Prolonged heavy rain from the night of July 8 to July 9 triggered flooding and landslides across the northern province of Lao Cai. As severe weather persisted, local authorities launched emergency response, mobilising personnel and equipment to assist affected residents and minimise damage. The third Vietnam - Laos Border Defence Friendship Exchange continued in Nghe An province on July 10 with a series of activities. A series of activities highlighting the political, defence and humanitarian dimensions of the third Vietnam – Laos Border Defence Friendship Exchange took place on July 9 at the Nam Can (Nghe An, Vietnam) – Nam On (Bolikhamsai, Laos) international border gate, further reinforcing the two countries' special friendship and shared commitment to building a border of peace, friendship, cooperation and development. Copyright, VietnamPlus, Vietnam News Agency (VNA) Editor-in-chief, Mr. Tran Tien Duan.