WASHINGTON, August 18 (Reuters) - According to three informed sources cited by Politico on Friday, U.S. President Joe Biden is poised to formalize a strategic partnership agreement with Vietnam during his upcoming state visit to the Southeast Asian nation in mid-September.
This landmark agreement will pave the way for enhanced bilateral collaboration, focusing on bolstering Vietnam's advancements in the high technology sector, including initiatives in semiconductor manufacturing and artificial intelligence, as outlined by Politico.
A well-placed insider revealed to Reuters on Friday that Biden is actively considering a visit to Vietnam in September.
Earlier this month, Biden expressed his intention to journey to Vietnam "in the near future," noting the country's aspirations to elevate its rapport with the United States and establish a significant partnership.
As of now, the White House has not officially confirmed the travel plans. Furthermore, Vietnam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has yet to respond to inquiries made on Saturday. In a statement on Thursday, Ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang refrained from either confirming or refuting the possibility of a visit by Biden.
"Highest-level leaders from both nations have concurred and are in discussions to further deepen bilateral relations in a steady, substantive, and long-lasting manner. Their aim is to elevate the relationship to a new level at the earliest opportunity," Hang conveyed during a routine press briefing.
During an April meeting, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed mutual intent to strengthen ties. This intent aligns with Washington's goal of solidifying partnerships in Asia as a countermeasure against an increasingly assertive China.
While the specifics of this heightened partnership have not been publicly disclosed, experts suggest that it could potentially encompass augmented military cooperation and an increase in U.S. weaponry supplies.
Source: Reuters
Crédit photo : JACEK BOCZARSKI / ANADOLU AGENCY / ANADOLU AGENCY