Vietnamese President To Lam Meets Acting U.S. Navy Secretary Hung Cao, Reinforces Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

General Secretary and President To Lam met with Acting U.S. Navy Secretary Hung Cao on the sidelines of the high-level general debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81) in New York, the U.S., September 22, 2026. Photo: VNA The top Vietnamese leader expressed his pleasure to meet Hung Cao again and congratulated him on being nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as Secretary of the Navy. He highly valued Hung Cao's contributions to Viet Nam-U.S. relations, as well as his affection and ties for his Vietnamese homeland. Briefing Hung Cao about Viet Nam's major development orientations and goals, To Lam said Viet Nam identifies science, technology, innovation and digital transformation as key drivers and foundations of national development. He said Viet Nam seeks to mobilize and utilize domestic and foreign resources, harness knowledge, technology, governance expertise, and high-caliber human resource for national development. From such perspective, Viet Nam considers the U.S. one of partners of top strategic importance and wishes to work with the U.S. to further advance the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in a stable, substantive, effective and sustainable manner, thus making positive contributions to peace, stability and development in the region and beyond, To Lam reassured. He suggested the U.S. enhance cooperation with Viet Nam in such domains like science, technology, innovation, high technology, semiconductors, energy, and supply chain while fruitfully implementing defense and security agreements within the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with war legacy remediation remaning a priority. Hung Cao, for his side, said he was honored by President Donald Trump to undertake a number of important responsibilities, including promoting defense ties with Viet Nam in line with the interests and aspirations of both countries, contributing to peace, stability and development in Asia-Pacific. He also affirmed that the U.S. attaches importance to the relations with Viet Nam, and supports a strong, independent, self-reliant and prosperous Viet Nam playing an increasingly important role in the region. As bilateral cooperation in economy, trade, science and technology, and defense and security remains highly potential, Hung Cao affirmed that he will continue his support for stronger relations between Viet Nam and the U.S. on bilateral, regional, and global levels. The acting U.S. Navy Secretary said bilateral defense ties, including maritime security cooperation, play an important role in ensuring peace and prosperity for both countries, as well as for security, cooperation and development in the region. He expressed his wish to further expand cooperation in maritime security, capacity building, humanitarian assistance, disaster response, and settlement of common challenges in the region. Hung Cao appreciated Viet Nam's active cooperation in search for U.S. servicemen missing in action from the war, and handover of artifacts from the former Reasoner Camp. He reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to suporting Viet Nam in overcoming the war consequences.