Biden is scheduled to visit Hanoi next month as part of his efforts to strengthen relations between the United States and Vietnam

Washington (AFP) – President Joe Biden The White House announced Monday that the US president will travel to Vietnam next month to meet Secretary General Nguyen Phu Trong and other Vietnamese leaders.

The president is scheduled to arrive in Hanoi on Sept. 10 for a one-day visit to the Vietnamese capital after attending the annual conference. G20 summit in India.

“Leaders will explore opportunities to foster the growth of a technology-focused and innovation-driven Vietnamese economy, expand the ties between our two peoples through educational exchanges and workforce development programs, combat climate change, and increase peace, prosperity, and stability. White House Press Secretary Karen Jean-Pierre said in a statement:” in the region.”

The White House also announced Monday that Biden will stop in Alaska on his way home from Vietnam to commemorate the 22nd anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States. Jean-Pierre said he will participate in a memorial service at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage with military personnel, first responders and their families.

The announcement on Vietnam comes weeks after Biden hinted at a possible visit. He said at a campaign reception on July 29 in Freeport, Maine, that the Vietnamese leader wants to meet him. He then told donors at a reception in New Mexico earlier this month that he “will go to Vietnam soon because Vietnam wants to change our relationship and become a partner.”

“I just got a phone call from the President of Vietnam, and he really wants to meet me when I go to the G-20.” Biden said at the Freeport reception. He added, “He wants to elevate us to a major partner, along with Russia and China. what do you think about this? no I’m not joking.

Biden has attached great importance to improving and expanding relations in Southeast Asia throughout his time in office amid growing US concern about China’s growth. Military and economic influence in the region.

At the same time, Biden and his aides have repeatedly said they seek to improve communication between the two governments to work on issues the Democratic administration says they have a common interest in — such as global efforts to combat climate change — and avoid unnecessary conflicts and conflicts. misunderstanding.

The United States has for years sought to strengthen relations with Vietnam, which has reacted cautiously to Washington’s entreaties. China and Russia have long served as Vietnam’s major trading partners.

A post-Biden visit to Vietnam was announced earlier this month It hosted the leaders of Japan and South Korea To hold a historic summit at the US presidential retreat at Camp David to promote a new economic and security agreement.

Biden has worked to bring South Korea and Japan – historical rivals – closer together amid their shared concerns about Chinese influence in the Pacific. North Korea’s nuclear programme.