Vietnamese Party leader, US President discuss bilateral ties, trade issues

General Secretary Tô Lâm held a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday to discuss Vietnam – US relations and negotiations on reciprocal tariffs between the two countries.

The two leaders expressed satisfaction with the strong and positive development of bilateral ties. 

General Secretary Tô Lâm and President Donald Trump welcomed the consensus reached by the two negotiating teams on the Vietnam – U.S. Joint Statement on the Framework for a Fair, Reciprocal Trade Agreement.

President Donald Trump praised Vietnam’s commitment to granting preferential market access for U.S. goods, including large-displacement automobiles.

He affirmed that the United States would significantly reduce reciprocal tariffs on many Vietnamese export items and pledged continued cooperation with Vietnam in resolving outstanding issues that affect bilateral trade relations, particularly in areas of mutual priority.

General Secretary To Lam called on the U.S. to soon recognize Vietnam as a market economy and lift export restrictions on certain high-tech goods.

The two leaders also discussed major directions and measures to advance the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in the coming years. 

They agreed to enhance delegation exchanges and high-level contacts, and to strengthen cooperation in key areas such as economics, trade, and investment, especially in pivotal and breakthrough sectors like science and high technology.

On this occasion, General Secretary Tô Lâm reiterated his invitation for President Donald Trump and the First Lady to visit Vietnam and expressed hope to meet the President again in the near future. President Donald Trump warmly thanked the General Secretary for the invitation and said he looked forward to their next meeting.