Vietnam's Top Leader to Visit US, Canada to Bolster Ties, Attend UNGA 81

General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President To Lam, leading a high-level Vietnamese delegation, will attend the high-level general debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, engage in bilateral activities in the US, and pay a state visit to Canada from September 20 to 25. The top Vietnamese leader’s working trip and bilateral activities in the US are expected to further advance the Vietnam-US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in a stable, substantive, effective and sustainable manner. Vietnam considers the United States one of its leading strategic partners, and this visit aims to further deepen bilateral relations. Notably, since the establishment of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and the US in September 2023, cooperation has been strengthened across various fields, including economy, security, and technological collaboration. During the visit, discussions are expected to focus on concretizing cooperation in these areas and exchanging views on regional and international affairs. Under Vietnam's one-party system, the top leader's diplomatic activities are crucial opportunities to reflect the nation's foreign policy. This visit signifies Vietnam's proactive role in the international arena and its intent to maintain and expand international partnerships to support economic growth. Furthermore, strengthening ties with the US is a key pillar of Vietnam's foreign policy strategy amidst a complex relationship with China. The state visit to Canada indicates Vietnam's efforts to deepen relations with major countries outside the ASEAN region. Cooperation with Canada is anticipated in areas such as trade and investment, climate change response, and education.