HCMC – Vietnam’s State President Luong Cuong met with U.S. President Donald Trump and several other Asia-Pacific leaders on October 29 on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Week in South Korea, reported the Vietnam News Agency.
The two leaders reviewed the progress of the Vietnam–U.S. Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and agreed to strengthen cooperation in politics, trade, security, and other areas. Both said they aim to deepen ties in a stable and sustainable way that supports regional peace and development.
Cuong congratulated the U.S. on its recent achievements and said Vietnam is ready to act as a bridge to help find sustainable, law-based solutions to global conflicts. He called for faster negotiations on a reciprocal trade agreement based on the two countries’ recent joint statement and urged expanded collaboration in technology, defense, and post-war recovery.
Trump reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to its partnership with Vietnam, recognizing the country’s growing regional role and economic reforms. He welcomed Vietnam’s imports of key American products and expressed support for ASEAN’s central role in regional affairs.
Cuong invited Trump and the First Lady to visit Vietnam. Trump recalled his previous visits in 2017 and 2019 and said he would consider another trip.
On the same occasion, Cuong met briefly with the prime ministers of Canada, Thailand, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand.
The leaders discussed strengthening bilateral relations and increasing coordination within multilateral forums such as APEC and ASEAN to promote regional stability and cooperation.
Cuong arrived in South Korea on the afternoon of October 29 to attend the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders’ Week and hold bilateral meetings at the invitation of South Korean President Lee Jae Myung.
APEC 2025 focuses on three priorities — connectivity, innovation, and prosperity. The event serves as a key platform for APEC leaders to maintain dialogue, strengthen trust, and enhance cooperation to address economic and trade challenges, promote innovation, and foster inclusive and sustainable growth across the region.
Vietnam has been an active contributor to APEC, helping sustain cooperation amid global economic uncertainties. The country has promoted a more comprehensive agenda and supported APEC’s adaptation to new global trends, reaffirming the forum’s central role in advancing growth and regional integration in the Asia-Pacific and beyond.
President Cuong’s trip also aims to strengthen Vietnam–South Korea ties. With bilateral relations continuing to develop, the visit is expected to deepen political trust and advance the implementation of recent high-level agreements, contributing to the growth of both nations.
During the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week, Cuong is scheduled to meet leaders of several APEC economies and executives from major global corporations to strengthen partnerships and mobilize resources for Vietnam’s socioeconomic development. He will also deliver a keynote speech at the APEC CEO Summit 2025, calling for greater international cooperation with Vietnam in its new phase of growth.
